Deputy President Kithure Kindiki publicly challenged former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to a fierce contest in the upcoming by-election in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County.
Speaking amid escalating political tensions in the Mt Kenya region, Kindiki issued a strongly worded warning to his rival, signaling a high-stakes battle for influence.
“Gachagua I told you to leave me alone. I have not started anything with you; you don’t know me. You came with that arrogance in Mbeere North and I dealt with you. There’s a by-election coming in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua, we will meet there, and you’ll see for yourself how I will deal with you!” Kindiki said.
The by-election in Nyandarua County has been triggered by the death of Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho, who passed away on March 29, 2026, while receiving treatment.
The contest is expected to reignite the rivalry between Kindiki and Gachagua, who have been jostling for political control of the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.
Their rivalry was evident in the November 2025 Mbeere North parliamentary by-election, where the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leo Wamuthende won the seat with 15,802 votes.
He narrowly defeated Newton Kariuki of the Democratic Party (DP), who garnered 15,308 votes. Gachagua had actively campaigned for the DP candidate in that race.
UDA has also maintained dominance in recent by-elections in Embu County. In February, Duncan Muratia won the Evurore Ward MCA seat with 7,853 votes, beating DP’s Albert Muchira, while Peterson Njeru secured victory in Muminji Ward with 3,201 votes.
The Ol Kalou by-election could serve as a critical battleground to determine the balance of power in the Mt Kenya region ahead of future national contests.
With both camps expected to mobilize heavily, the race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched by-elections in recent months, as the rivalry between Kindiki and Gachagua moves from rhetoric to the ballot.
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