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Friday, 11 September 2026
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Friday, 11 September 2026
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Kenyan press · Place

Ol Kalou

Also known as: Olkalau · Chokereria

2026-04-262026-09-11

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. July 2026
  2. The Standard

    Last week, we focused on Ol Kalou and explained why its by-election was so hotly contested.

    Ol Kalou and the behavioural economics goldmine
  3. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeKirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has accused the government of orchestrating violence during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, saying Kenyans have a right to defend themselves when attacked.

    Njeri Maina: Kenyans on their own, govt orchestrating Ol Kalou violence
  4. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeGovernment Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has demanded that anyone with evidence supporting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's rape allegations in Ol Kalou submit it to police for investigation.

    'Let investigators do their work,' Mwaura says on Ol Kalou rape claims
  5. The Standard

    This week, Ol Kalou wrote its own version of that verdict. A parliamentary seat fell vacant.

    Mammon fell! Ol Kalou exposed limits of money politics, patronage
  6. Capital News

    NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 20 – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has defended the prolonged celebrations following the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, arguing that the result represented more than a single electoral win and sign

    Gachagua says critics miss the point of DCP’s Ol Kalou celebrations
  7. Citizen Digital

    Gachagua's sentiments came after his party, the Democracy for the Citizens Party, secured victory in the Ol Kalou constituency by-election held on July 16.

    'We are safe!' Kenya Tourism Federation reassures after Gachagua's warning to tourists
  8. Capital News

    NAIROBI, Kenya, July 20 – Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has defended the scale of the United Democratic Alliance’s (UDA) campaign spending in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, insisting the ruling party financed its activities from party coffers and not tax

    CS Ruku: UDA Spent About Sh100 Million on Ol Kalou Campaign
  9. Citizen Digital

    CS Ruku: UDA spent about Ksh.100M in Ol-Kalou by-election campaigns By Citizen Reporter July 20, 2026 08:55 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku in a past address.

    CS Ruku: UDA spent about Ksh.100M in Ol-Kalou by-election campaigns
  10. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeFollowing Uda's huge loss in Ol Kalou, the party's SG hassan omar decided to vent his spleen on The Standard during a press conference.

    Attacking journalists will not win UDA votes
  11. The Standard

    The Ol Kalou by-election contest of July 16, which turned out to be ridiculously one-sided, has left the government bruised and social media unusually excited, especially because of the ruling party’s extravagance in the run-up to the poll, which went unrewarded.

    The whims and memes from Ol Kalou

Monday 7 September

  1. Ruto allies defend IEBC against opposition rigging claims

    President William Ruto's allies in Western Kenya, led by Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, have defended the IEBC against opposition claims that it could rig the 2027 General Election. The leaders urged politicians to respect the electoral commission's constitutional independence and accused the opposition of undermining confidence in the body.

    7 September 2026 · The Standard

Saturday 5 September

  1. Mudavadi urges opposition to stop attacking IEBC

    Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on opposition leaders to cease criticising the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), arguing that the electoral agency's independence must be respected and that attacks on it could undermine public confidence in the August 2027 General Election. Mudavadi defended the current IEBC leadership under Chairperson Erastus Ethekon and cited recent by-elections, including the Ol Kalou poll, as evidence of the commission's ability to conduct credible elections.

    5 September 2026 · Capital News

  2. Mudavadi says opposition attacks on IEBC threaten 2027 election

    Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has accused opposition leaders of attacking the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to undermine confidence in the 2027 election, arguing the attacks aim to discredit the election outcome before voting takes place. Mudavadi defended the commission's independence, citing recent by-elections as evidence of its capacity to deliver free and fair polls, and warned opposition leaders against attempting to dictate how the IEBC conducts its work.

    5 September 2026 · The Standard

Thursday 3 September

  1. MP Kariuki: Ruto retains chance to win back Mt Kenya region

    Ndia MP George Kariuki said President William Ruto still stands a chance of winning back Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election, pointing to development projects as his strongest card and arguing it remains too early to conclude the region has abandoned Ruto. Kariuki attributed the region's cooling relationship with the government partly to the fallout between Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, though he noted the rift can still be mended.

    3 September 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 1 September

  1. Aberdare forest fire destroys more than 200 acres over four days

    A fire in Aberdare Forest, Nyandarua County, has destroyed more than 200 acres of forest land over four consecutive days starting August 28. The Kenya Wildlife Service reports the fire has been significantly reduced and contained, with 62 personnel and community volunteers deployed, though strong winds hampered firefighting efforts in areas covered by bamboo vegetation.

    1 September 2026 · Capital News

  2. Lodwar fake priest reflects on political deception ahead

    An opinion piece uses the recent arrest of an impostor priest in Lodwar as a mirror to warn about deceptive political candidates seeking office in the 2027 General Election, comparing them to "wolves in sheep's clothing" who come with false promises.

    1 September 2026 · The Standard

Monday 31 August

  1. Former Chief Justice Maraga claims IG Kanja, DCI Amin hold office illegally

    Former Chief Justice David Maraga has alleged that Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin are illegally occupying their offices after exceeding the 60-year public service retirement age, citing violations of the Public Service Act by President Ruto's administration.

    31 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. CS Ruku argues for splitting Mt Kenya's political interests for development

    Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku has defended his call to separate Mt Kenya East's political interests from the West, arguing that the region must take different political positions to ensure his constituents receive government development ahead of 2027. He accused DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua of insulting President Ruto and other leaders, creating a political dilemma for Mt Kenya East.

    31 August 2026 · The Standard

Thursday 27 August

  1. Police uniform overhaul planned as wider reforms stall

    President William Ruto is expected to unveil a new police uniform on August 28, with over 6,000 graduating constables set to wear it starting August 31. The change marks at least the third significant general-duty uniform overhaul in under a decade, raising questions about why uniforms are easier to reform than actual police practices.

    27 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

Wednesday 26 August

  1. Gachagua claims seized gas cylinders distributed in Ol Kalou by-election

    Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua alleged at a press briefing that gas cylinders distributed to residents during the Ol Kalou by-election were among more than 200,000 cylinders seized from small-scale LPG traders in four counties between June and October 2025. He claimed the seizures were carried out by a police unit and accused officers of operating outside established procedures.

    26 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

Monday 24 August

  1. IEBC summoned and fined code of conduct breaches in Ol Kalou polls

    IEBC Commissioner Ann Nderitu said the commission summoned several people who breached the code of conduct in the Ol Kalou mini polls held on July 16, 2026, and fined and warned them through the Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee process. She maintained that no malpractice was witnessed inside polling stations and that deployed officers ensured security and order were well maintained.

    24 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. High Court grants Nyandarua Governor Badilisha anticipatory bail

    The High Court has granted Nyandarua Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha anticipatory bail of Sh 50,000 and barred the DCI and National Police Service from arresting or detaining him pending case hearing, after he moved to court over what he claims as pursuit by unknown persons.

    24 August 2026 · The Standard

Thursday 20 August

  1. Ichung'wah welcomes ICC probe, blames opposition for violence

    National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah has welcomed calls for an ICC investigation into political violence in Kenya, but countered opposition accusations against President Ruto by claiming opposition leaders are sponsoring violence and shifting blame to the government.

    20 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

Wednesday 19 August

  1. VOCAL Africa urges ICC to monitor Kenya ahead of 2027 election

    Human rights organization VOCAL Africa has written to the International Criminal Court's Office of the Prosecutor seeking close observation of Kenya's deteriorating political and human rights situation ahead of the 2027 General Election, citing organized gang use at political gatherings, inflammatory rhetoric, attacks on journalists and protesters, and institutional failure as potential triggers for widespread violations.

    19 August 2026 · Capital News

  2. East African democracies face rising violence and civil liberties abuse

    An opinion piece argues that recent by-elections in Kenya marked by goon culture, voter intimidation, bribery, and violence reflect a broader democratic crisis across East Africa, with Tanzania and Uganda showing similar patterns of suppression and abuse of opposition figures and civil rights observers.

    19 August 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 18 August

  1. Maraga demands Ruto release police reforms report within seven days

    Former Chief Justice David Maraga has given President William Ruto seven days to release the complete and unedited report of the National Taskforce on Police Reforms, which was submitted in November 2023. Maraga warned he will publish the report himself if the President fails to do so, citing unfulfilled recommendations including restoring police independence and ending what he terms systematic police brutality.

    18 August 2026 · Capital News

  2. Former Chief Justice demands Ruto publish police reforms report

    Former Chief Justice David Maraga has given President William Ruto a seven-day ultimatum to publish the National Taskforce on Police Reforms report, which was submitted on November 16, 2023, citing incidents of chaos and violence as evidence of deteriorating policing under the current administration.

    18 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

  3. No constitutional law mandates presidential portrait display in offices

    Constitutional lawyers Paul Muite and Willis Otieno have argued that displaying the President's portrait is a matter of political tradition rather than legal requirement. Under Kenya's Constitution, the national symbols are limited to the National Flag, National Anthem, Coat of Arms, and Public Seal, with no legal obligation to display the presidential portrait in private or public offices.

    18 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

  4. Maraga demands Ruto release police reforms report in seven days

    Retired Chief Justice David Maraga has challenged President William Ruto to release a police reforms taskforce report he chaired within seven days, or Maraga will release it himself. Maraga accuses Ruto of failing to implement the report's recommendations to restore National Police Service independence and end police brutality over nearly three years.

    18 August 2026 · The Standard

Saturday 15 August

  1. Karua accuses Ruto of using goons to suppress opposition

    People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has accused President William Ruto of using goons to suppress opposition and settle political scores, urging him to leave office if he has lost Kenyan support. Karua claimed the Kenya Kwanza administration sponsors attacks on opposition rallies and deploys goons alongside police to disrupt protests and assault demonstrators.

    15 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Murkomen accused of enabling attacks on opposition in Nakuru

    Nyandarua Senator John Methu accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of presiding over a police command structure that allowed hired groups to attack opposition supporters in Nakuru on Thursday, alleging that police officers were instructed to keep off during the violence.

    15 August 2026 · Capital News

Sunday 9 August

  1. Moses Kuria says Ruto will win 2027 election without Mt. Kenya votes

    Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria told Citizen TV that President William Ruto will secure re-election in 2027 without needing support from Mt. Kenya, citing Ruto's strength in other electoral blocs around the country.

    9 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

Thursday 6 August

  1. Munya accuses Gachagua of bullying, threatening opposition unity

    Party of National Unity leader Peter Munya has criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for using inflammatory language and intimidating fellow politicians, saying such tactics threaten Opposition unity ahead of the 2027 General Election. Munya called for mutual respect and structured dialogue among opposition leaders, particularly from the Mt Kenya region.

    6 August 2026 · Capital News

  2. DPP warns of prosecution for political incitement, gang sponsorship

    The Director of Public Prosecutions has warned politicians against fuelling political intolerance through inflammatory remarks and sponsoring criminal gangs, stating his office will pursue further arrests to safeguard peace and the rule of law. The warning follows the arrest of Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia and comes amid heightened political tensions.

    6 August 2026 · The Standard

Wednesday 5 August

  1. Munya accuses Gachagua of bullying, warns against opposition division

    Peter Munya, leader of the Party of National Unity, has described former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as a bully who uses intimidation and disrespectful language against fellow opposition leaders, calling on him to change his approach for opposition unity and warning he would not support Gachagua's presidential ambitions due to what he calls dictatorial tendencies.

    5 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Gachagua defends DCP recruitment, urges allied parties to mobilize

    Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua told opposition-allied political parties to intensify grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2027 General Election, dismissing claims he was pushing politicians to abandon their parties for the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). Gachagua said his focus was on growing DCP's support while allowing allies to strengthen their own outfits.

    5 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

  3. Gachagua defends DCP popularity, challenges rivals to strengthen campaigns

    Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua denied that his Democracy for the Citizens Party is undermining other political parties in Mt Kenya, attributing DCP's growing popularity to aggressive grassroots mobilisation and urging rival parties to strengthen their own campaigns rather than blame DCP for its rise.

    5 August 2026 · Capital News

Monday 3 August

  1. DCP leaders demand release of arrested Mukurwe-ini MP Kaguchia

    Democracy for the Citizen Party leaders in Nyeri County have called for the immediate release of Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia, arrested over alleged incitement remarks, characterizing the arrest as politically motivated. The leaders warned they would organize demonstrations if he is not released within 24 hours, accusing authorities of selectively applying the law against opposition figures.

    3 August 2026 · The Standard

Sunday 2 August

  1. Gachagua criticises Ruto's Vision 2060, prioritises farm crisis

    Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticised President William Ruto's Vision 2060 development plan, arguing the government should instead address immediate agricultural and economic hardships facing Kenyans, particularly farmers struggling with falling earnings and rising production costs.

    2 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Gachagua criticizes Vision 2060, demands focus on economy

    Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has renewed criticism of the government's Vision 2060 initiative, urging President William Ruto's administration to prioritize immediate economic and security challenges, including high cost of living, agricultural hardship, and insecurity, rather than long-term development plans.

    2 August 2026 · Capital News

Ol Kalou — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute