Jubilee Party Pushes for Opposition Unity Ahead of Ol Kalou By-Election
Moitalel Ole Kenta, Secretary General of the Jubilee Party (center), addresses the media in Nairobi on April 22, 2026.
NAIROBI, April 22, 2026 — The Jubilee Party has officially called for a united opposition front in the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, following the death of area MP David Kiaraho. The move is seen as a strategic effort to consolidate the opposition’s strength and prevent a split vote in the critical Mt. Kenya constituency.
Speaking during a press briefing at the party headquarters in Nairobi on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta framed the upcoming contest as a vital litmus test for the “United Alternative Government” coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He emphasized that the by-election should serve as a demonstration of solidarity rather than a source of internal friction among partners.
“With the final rites now concluded and the nation having laid to rest Hon. David Kiaraho ,we remain in deep reflection on the loss of a leader whose life was defined by humility, service, and an unbreakable bond with the people he represented,” said Moitalel Ole Kenta.
Kenta confirmed that Jubilee will field a candidate to retain the seat, which has historically been under its control.
He noted that the party is already preparing for a rigorous nomination process to identify a successor who can carry forward the late MP’s development agenda.
“The party will field a candidate in the upcoming Ol Kalou by-election, in line with the fact that the position was previously held by a member of the Jubilee Party,” Kenta added.
He affirmed that the nominations will be free, fair, and transparent, ensuring the eventual candidate reflects the democratic will of the Ol Kalou constituents.
Addressing the broader political landscape, Kenta urged coalition partners to respect the principle of incumbency to ensure the opposition presents a cohesive alternative to the current administration.
He warned that “short-term political interests” must not be allowed to undermine the coalition’s long-term goal of reclaiming national leadership.
“This is a defining moment for the opposition… Kenyans are calling for cooperation over competition, solidarity over fragmentation, and strategy over short-term political interests,” Kenta stated.
He reminded allies that Jubilee has previously set a precedent for unity by stepping aside in regions such as Mbeere North and Emurua Dikirr.
“As partners in the United Alternative Government, we must remain faithful to this precedent,” Kenta urged.
He called on coalition allies to reciprocate the goodwill shown by Jubilee in the past by backing a single opposition flag bearer for the Ol Kalou seat.
Jubilee National Chairman Nelson Dzuya Kemosi echoed these calls, while acknowledging the inherent democratic rights of all political entities within the alliance. He suggested that while competition is natural, strategic wisdom should prevail to secure a win against the ruling party.
“Democracy requires that each and every party should be given an opportunity to contest any position,” Kemosi said.
The Chairman further explained that for the coalition to remain formidable against the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), partners must honor the history of the constituency and the existing political landscape.
“However, in the spirit of unity, we believe our coalition partners should support Jubilee since the seat has been under our party since 2013,” he added.
Jubilee Youth League Chairperson Angel Mbuthia signaled that the party is looking toward the future by encouraging the next generation of leaders to step forward.
She described the by-election as a platform for young people to influence the country’s political trajectory.
“I want to call on members of my generation, young people, to come out and present themselves for candidacy in Ol Kalou,” Angel declared.
She also signaled a spirited contest against the ruling UDA, characterizing the race as a pivotal battle for the region’s political soul and a training ground for the upcoming 2027 General Election.
“We are ready to face our main competitor, the UDA, and we invite the youth to lead this charge from the frontlines,” she concluded.
The Ol Kalou by-election now stands as a high-stakes arena where the opposition must choose between individual growth and collective strength.
While the seat is locally significant, the outcome will resonate far beyond the constituency, serving as a definitive indicator of whether the “United Alternative Government” can transform from a tactical alliance into a disciplined political machine.
With Jubilee already eyeing a full-scale nationwide resurgence for the 2027 General Election, the road to the presidency may well begin with the unity displayed in the streets of Ol Kalou.
