Ruto Advised to Drop Kindiki as Running Mate After UDA’s Ol Kalou Defeat

The debate over the 2027 strategy of President William Ruto has intensified following the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) loss in the Ol Kalou by-election, with several public figures weighing in on the implications for future political alignments.

City lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi said the outcome reflects broader electoral realities and cautioned the president against relying on certain political approaches.

Ahmednasir said the by-election demonstrates how political influence operates within the Mt Kenya region.

He argued that President Ruto should not rely on assurances from some Mt Kenya politicians that the region will support him in the 2027 General Election.

“Ol Kalou told President Ruto not to follow the Moi manual. In Mt Kenya it’s the people that show where their leaders must take them. Those light featherweight politicians from Kiambu telling President Ruto that Kikuyus will vote for him in 2027 are rent seekers wanting to feed on his fodder ala SK Macharia of the 90s,” he said.

Also Read: DCP Candidate Samuel Kamau Ngotho Wins Ol Kalou Parliamentary By-Election

Ruto Faces Pressure Over Kindiki Running Mate Debate

Ahmednasir further said the Ol Kalou results present a critical moment in shaping the president’s political strategy ahead of 2027.

He stated that decisions made at this stage could influence electoral outcomes.

“Continue listening to the effusive and praiseful lullabies by Kiambu politicians whose support is in single digit and not beyond immediate family members, stick with Prof Kithure Kindiki and believe their false narrative that he will get 40% of the Mt. Kenya vote and know that a humiliating defeat is certain. Or act the political fox you always have been, pick a Luo or a Luhya running mate(preferably the latter) and hit the read running. The choices are clear. And President Ruto must smell the coffee by force,” he added.

Mutahi Ngunyi Calls for Political Shift

Similarly, political strategist Mutahi Ngunyi commented on the outcome and focused on possible adjustments in political alliances.

He urged a shift in approach as the 2027 election approaches.

“Dear Ruto. NO point courting Kikuyus. You have tried. They have rejected you. Ol Kalau is the testament. Turn to the Luo Nation and Mulembe Nation. Ol Kalau is a pain point for you. OR was it an experiment to justify discarding Kikuyus? Just do it! 9 Kikuyu ministers? fire them,” Ngunyi stated.

President William Ruto, alongside ODM Party leader Oburu Oginga, during the ODM 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa on Saturday, November 15. PHOTO/ ODM.

Also Read: IEBC Updates Ol Kalou Vote Count, Explains How to Track Results Live

IEBC Confirms Ol Kalou By-Election Results

Meanwhile, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) confirmed the outcome of the by-election held on July 16, 2026.

IEBC Returning Officer Antony Njiraine declared Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru Ngotho the duly elected Member of the National Assembly for Ol Kalou Constituency after he garnered 35,440 votes, while Samuel Muchina Nyagah of President William Ruto’s UDA Party came second with 5,450 votes.

A total of 41,656 out of 73,480 registered voters cast their ballots, translating to a voter turnout of 57 percent.

The results show a significant margin between the two leading candidates, with Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru (DCP) securing 35,440 votes compared to Samuel Muchina Nyagah (UDA), who received 5,450 votes.

Overall, the Ol Kalou by-election outcome continues to shape discussions on political alliances, regional dynamics, and preparations for the 2027 General Election.

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President William Ruto with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi at State House during the merging of UDA and ANC On January 17, 2025, at State House. PHOTO/PCS.