Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has moved to steady the ruling coalition’s footing following the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) defeat in the Ol Kalou by-election, insisting the party remains dominant after securing the majority of recent by-election victories.
Speaking in the wake of the hotly contested Nyandarua race, Duale framed the outcome within a broader national context, noting that UDA has won six out of ten parliamentary and senatorial by-elections conducted across the country in recent months.
“The outcome of the parliamentary and senatorial by-elections paints a clear picture of the prevailing political landscape in Kenya,” Duale said, in remarks seen as a response to the Democratic Congress Party (DCP)’s victory in Ol Kalou.
The Ol Kalou contest saw DCP candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru clinch the seat with a decisive margin, handing UDA’s Samuel Muchina Nyagah a significant defeat in what has traditionally been considered a key Mt Kenya battleground.
However, Duale maintained that the broader trend favours the ruling party, arguing that UDA’s performance reaffirms its position as the country’s leading political force under President William Ruto.
“Across the ten contests held in different parts of the country at different times, the United Democratic Alliance secured six seats, demonstrating sustained public confidence in its leadership, policies and development agenda,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary also pointed to the performance of coalition partners within the Broad-Based Government arrangement, highlighting cooperation between UDA and ODM as a stabilising political factor.
“Combined, UDA and ODM account for nine of the ten seats contested, representing 90 per cent of the by-election victories,” Duale noted, describing the outcome as evidence of political unity and continuity in governance.
Beyond party arithmetic, Duale said the by-elections reflect a maturing democratic environment, where multiple parties are able to compete and win seats in different regions without systemic barriers.
“At the same time, the results underscore the strength and maturity of Kenya’s democracy,” he added.
“The ability of different political parties to compete freely, campaign openly and secure victories in their respective strongholds demonstrates a democratic system that continues to grow.”
The Ol Kalou result, however, is expected to intensify political realignments in the Mt Kenya region, with DCP’s win seen as a signal of shifting voter dynamics ahead of the 2027 General Election.