UDA Congratulates IEBC After Ol Kalou By-Election Loss, Says Ruto Still on Course for 2027 Re-Election

By Gedion Nzyoki -

NAIROBI, Kenya, July 17, 2026 — The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has accepted defeat in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, congratulating the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for conducting what it described as a credible poll while insisting that President William Ruto remains firmly on course for re-election in 2027.

UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan addresses a press briefing in Nairobi on Friday afternoon. Photo: UDA/Facebook.

Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan praised the electoral commission for allowing the will of the people to prevail despite what he described as sustained attempts to undermine public confidence in the institution.

"One of the main subject matters of this press conference today is to congratulate the IEBC. You did a stellar job. You held us all to account. You let the popular will of the people of Kenya prevail," Omar said.

The ruling party also commended its supporters, campaign teams and senior leaders who spearheaded UDA's campaign in the by-election, saying they had demonstrated resilience and commitment despite the party's defeat.

Omar singled out National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, digital strategist Dennis Itumbi and former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, among other party officials, for leading what he described as a spirited campaign.

He maintained that the loss would not deter UDA from fielding candidates across the country in future elections.

"We will participate in every election. UDA will field a candidate in every part of this country in the coming General Election," he said.

While acknowledging the loss, Omar argued that the outcome reflected an evolving political landscape rather than a rejection of the ruling party.

According to the UDA Secretary General, traditional political strongholds are increasingly becoming competitive, while areas once considered battlegrounds are emerging as strongholds for different political formations.

"This time we did not emerge victorious, but it shows there is a shifting architecture of national politics. Former strongholds have become battlegrounds and former battlegrounds have become strongholds," he stated.

Despite the setback, Omar expressed confidence that President William Ruto remains well-positioned to secure a second term in the 2027 General Election.

"We know that the overall political landscape in this country is tilted towards President William Ruto's re-election for a second term, and we are confident that will happen," he said.

Defends Government's Investment in Mount Kenya

Responding to questions about the government's political investment in the Mount Kenya region, particularly during the Ol Kalou by-election campaign, Omar defended President Ruto's appointments and development agenda, arguing that the region played a significant role in the President's victory in the 2022 General Election.

He noted that several Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, heads of state corporations and chief executive officers serving in government come from the region, describing the appointments as part of the President's responsibility to reciprocate the support he received.

"The President has a mandate and a responsibility to reciprocate the support of those who showed him favour," Hassan said.

He, however, maintained that the government remains committed to serving all Kenyans regardless of their political affiliation.

"We do not serve only those who vote for us. We serve all Kenyans fairly under the solemn oath of office to govern with fairness, equity and justice."

Omar added that the Kenya Kwanza administration has invested in roads, bridges, energy and water projects across regions that had historically been neglected, insisting that inclusivity remains one of the government's guiding principles.

Hassan Accuses Gachagua of Undermining Institutions

The UDA Secretary General used the press briefing to launch a scathing attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of consistently undermining independent institutions and promoting divisive politics.

He alleged that Gachagua had repeatedly targeted state institutions and communities whenever they failed to align with his political interests.

"He profiles all communities that do not agree with him. He has attacked institutions, including the IEBC and security agencies," Hassan claimed.

He further accused the former Deputy President of creating unnecessary political tension that could erode public confidence in democratic institutions and electoral processes.

Calls for National Unity After By-Election

Omar welcomed the peaceful conduct of the Ol Kalou by-election and commended security agencies for maintaining law and order throughout the electoral process.

He specifically praised Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo for their roles in ensuring stability during the polls.

The UDA Secretary General also urged party supporters to remain steadfast following the defeat and shift their focus to preparations for the 2027 General Election.

Quoting President William Ruto, Omar said elections should never divide the country, stressing that while political contests come to an end, the nation must continue moving forward in unity.

"Elections are political contestations. They happen, they end, and the nation must move on as one united and indivisible country," he said.