UDA Accepts Ol Kalou Defeat, Backs IEBC and Hits Out at Gachagua
By Faith wanza mueni
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has accepted the outcome of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, congratulated the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for conducting what it termed a credible exercise, while launching a scathing attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Addressing the media on Thursday, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan said the ruling party respected the democratic choice made by the people of Ol Kalou and would use the outcome to reorganise ahead of the 2027 General Election.
"The people of Ol Kalou have spoken, and we respect their democratic choice to elect the leader they desired. We equally respect their freedom to determine the future path of their politics," Hassan said.
The UDA official thanked party supporters, campaign teams and senior leaders who participated in the campaigns, describing their efforts as a demonstration of the party's national outlook.
He singled out National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, Dennis Itumbi and other leaders for what he termed a "gallant fight" during the campaign period.
"We will participate in every election. UDA will field a candidate in every part of this country in the coming General Election," he said.
Hassan also commended the IEBC, saying the electoral body had demonstrated professionalism and independence by allowing the will of the people to prevail.
"You did a stellar job. You held us all to account. You let the popular will of the people of Kenya prevail," he stated.
According to Hassan, the outcome of the Ol Kalou contest demonstrates shifting political dynamics in the country, arguing that traditional political strongholds are increasingly becoming competitive battlegrounds.
"This time, we did not emerge victorious, but it shows you that there is a shifting architecture of national politics — former strongholds have become battlegrounds and former battlegrounds have become strongholds," he noted.
The UDA Secretary General maintained that President William Ruto remains committed to delivering on his campaign promises across all regions, including the Mount Kenya region, which played a significant role in his 2022 presidential victory.
He said the government had continued to undertake development projects and appointments aimed at ensuring inclusivity and national cohesion.
"President William Ruto recognises that the Mount Kenya vote contributed immensely to his victory in 2022. He has gone out of his way to fulfil his promises under the Kenya Kwanza plan and continues to deliver development to every part of this country," Hassan said.
Responding to questions on the significant political investment made by UDA in the by-election, Hassan defended the party's involvement, saying it was normal for governments to invest heavily in areas considered politically strategic.
He argued that the Mount Kenya region has benefited significantly from government appointments and development initiatives.
"In reciprocity, the President has appointed over nine or ten Cabinet Secretaries from the region. The bulk of Principal Secretaries in this government are from the Mount Kenya region, while many chairpersons and chief executive officers of state corporations also come from the area," he said.
However, he maintained that the government remains committed to serving all Kenyans irrespective of their political affiliations.
"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," Hassan said.
At the same time, the UDA Secretary General accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of undermining independent institutions and creating political tension through repeated attacks on state agencies.
Hassan claimed that Gachagua had sought to discredit the IEBC even before the by-election results were announced and accused him of promoting divisive politics.
"He attacks these organisations because many are led by minorities like us. His conduct shows an insecure leader, a leader preparing the country for a crisis," Hassan alleged.
He further accused the former Deputy President of profiling communities and institutions that do not align with his political interests.
"He profiles anybody he feels stands in the way of his political ambitions," Hassan added.
Despite the heated political contest, the UDA official welcomed the peaceful conclusion of the by-election and commended security agencies for maintaining order throughout the electoral process.
He particularly praised Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo for their roles in ensuring stability.
"We are happy that these elections ended without any major incidents, and we therefore commend the security agencies," he said.
Hassan urged UDA supporters to remain steadfast and resilient despite the loss, expressing confidence that the ruling party remains firmly on course for President Ruto's re-election bid in 2027.
"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.
He further called for national unity, stressing that elections should not divide the country.
"Elections are political contestations. They happen, they end, and the nation must move on as one united, indivisible country," Hassan said.
The UDA Secretary General concluded by reaffirming the party's commitment to national inclusivity and participation in every electoral contest across the country, saying the Ol Kalou outcome would only strengthen the party's resolve heading into the next election cycle.
"We thank all those who participated in the Ol Kalou election with valour, vigour and bravery. UDA will exclude no one and will leave no part or corner of this country to our political competitors," he said.
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