UDA Leaders Defend Ol Kalou Development Projects Ahead of By-Election, Dismiss Opposition Claims

Leaders allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) have defended the government’s ongoing development projects in Ol Kalou Constituency, dismissing opposition claims that the initiatives are politically motivated and intended to influence voters ahead of the July 16 by-election.

Speaking during campaign rallies in Nyandarua County, the leaders maintained that the government’s presence in the constituency is focused on completing projects initiated by the late Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho while accelerating social and economic development for residents.

The by-election, necessitated by the death of Kiaraho, has intensified political activity in the constituency, with both the ruling party and the opposition seeking to win over voters.

Addressing residents, the leaders argued that development should not be viewed through a political lens, insisting that any improvements benefiting the people of Ol Kalou should be welcomed regardless of the election period.

“We politic because of development. If it is this time that these developments will come, let it be. If the JM Hospital will be elevated to Level Five because of politics, that’s why we’re in politics.”

The UDA leaders emphasized that the projects currently underway are designed to improve healthcare, infrastructure, electricity connectivity, and other essential services that will directly benefit residents long after the by-election is over.

They accused the opposition of attempting to politicize government development programmes instead of supporting initiatives that improve the lives of ordinary Kenyans.

“We really feel sad that the Nyandarua people, especially the Ol Kalou people, have a chance for them to get what the honorable member had promised them. But there are people who want to trivialize and politicize every situation.”

Monday’s campaign activities were led by Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau, Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, Nominated MP Sabina Chege, Ndaragwa MP George Gachagua, and Ruiru MP Simon King’ara, among other UDA leaders.

The leaders rallied residents to support the party’s candidate, Muchina Nyaga, arguing that his election would ensure continuity of the government’s development agenda and the completion of projects initiated by the late Kiaraho.

According to the leaders, many of the projects currently being implemented were already planned before the by-election was announced and are simply being fast-tracked to fulfill promises made to the people of Ol Kalou.

“Projects are coming because we, as Mount Kenya leaders, have told the government that whatever was started by Honorable Kiaraho must not be left unfinished. Most of the projects you are seeing here were initiated by the late Kiaraho.”

The campaign also focused heavily on the government’s development record, with UDA leaders highlighting investments in roads, electricity, healthcare, and other public infrastructure as evidence that the Kenya Kwanza administration is delivering on its promises.

They urged residents to vote for the ruling party’s candidate to ensure seamless collaboration with the national government and continued implementation of development projects.

“For the first time we are witnessing massive development of roads, electricity, and other projects. This development has come at the right time.”

As the July 16 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election approaches, both UDA and the opposition are intensifying campaigns in what is expected to be a closely watched contest. The outcome is likely to serve as an important political test in Nyandarua County and could provide an early indication of voter sentiment ahead of the 2027 General Election.