Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has weighed in on the outcome of the Ol Kalou by-election, describing the contest as a high-stakes political battle that has reshaped the country’s emerging alliances ahead of 2027.
In a candid statement, the legislator said commenting on the results was “wading on muddy waters,” but insisted the significance of the vote could not be ignored.
She argued that despite attempts by some leaders to downplay the race, the by-election was effectively a “do or die” contest between the broad-based government camp and the opposition.
Odhiambo pointed to Rigathi Gachagua as the biggest political beneficiary, saying the result strengthened his influence in the Mt Kenya region.
According to her, the outcome demonstrated that Central Kenya is “largely gone” from the government’s grip, placing Gachagua at the centre of opposition politics.
She further noted that leaders in the region who fail to align with Gachagua risk diminished political prospects.
“If you do not sing his tune in Mt Kenya, you start off at a disadvantage,” she stated, adding that the victory could embolden him to claim a broader mandate in steering opposition strategy.
At the same time, the MP suggested the results may present an opportunity for President William Ruto to recalibrate his approach.
She described the situation as a “through pass” the Head of State could use politically, without elaborating on the strategy.
On the government side, Odhiambo said the by-election exposed weaknesses in the coalition’s electoral systems and mobilisation strategies.
She argued that the loss should serve as a lesson, calling for a comprehensive overhaul of campaign structures ahead of the next general election.
“The result showed that the system is faulty and cannot be relied on,” she noted, urging the coalition to rebuild from the ground up while learning from the setback.
The MP also dismissed claims that the government retains strong support in Central Kenya, saying the outcome suggests otherwise.
While stopping short of declaring her political alignment, Odhiambo hinted at shifting dynamics, stating she remains “on the fence,” though leaning toward a yet unspecified direction.
The Ol Kalou by-election has since triggered intense political debate, with leaders across the divide interpreting the results as a signal of changing voter sentiment in a region considered critical to national politics.