Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda has expressed confidence that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) will retain the Ol Kalou parliamentary seat, insisting the ruling party is headed for victory despite persistent criticism of the electoral process by opposition leaders.
Speaking during a Radio Generation interview on Thursday, the legislator dismissed claims that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is not prepared to conduct a free and credible by-election. He argued that the opposition had turned its attention to the commission, the police and UDA because it had already concluded that it would lose the contest.
"It is the opposition that has not prepared itself. They already know they are going to lose the election. So they are now blaming IEBC, they are blaming the police, they are blaming UDA because they have already sensed defeat. I can tell you today, without fear of doubt, the UDA candidate, by the grace of God, is going to be declared the winner. I am very confident," he said.
His remarks come as voters head to the polls in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election on Thursday to elect a new MP following the death of three-term legislator David Njuguna Kiaraho on March 29, 2026.
The IEBC scheduled the by-election for July 16 after National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula formally declared the seat vacant.
Nine candidates are seeking to replace Kiaraho, among them UDA's Samuel Muchina Nyaga and Democracy for the Citizens Party candidate Sammy Ngotho.
The contest has attracted national attention after opposition leaders raised concerns over alleged voter intimidation, campaign disruptions and vote buying. Both the IEBC and UDA have dismissed the allegations.
Jhanda also spoke against the recent rise in political violence witnessed in different parts of the country, including clashes that disrupted an opposition Linda Mwananchi mobilisation in Kisii County.
The violence saw rival groups engage in stone-throwing and running battles, with one person losing his life after reportedly falling from a moving vehicle during the chaos.
The MP said violence should have no place in politics as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election, adding that leaders should be allowed to campaign freely without intimidation or attacks.
"As a leader, I don't advocate for any kind of hooliganism or anybody being stoned. I will also be going to many other places to seek votes, not just for myself but for the entire Kenya Kwanza brigade. None of us advocates for such behaviour. It was unfortunate what happened, and I also want to express my condolences to the family that lost their loved one."
Even so, Jhanda claimed the confrontation began after opposition supporters allegedly mobilised groups that later clashed with local residents, resulting in the unrest.
Looking ahead to the 2027 campaigns, the legislator urged the IEBC to begin enforcing electoral rules well before campaigns intensify, saying early action by the commission would help reduce tensions and encourage politicians to follow the law.
Jhanda also defended his decision to acquire four Toyota Prado vehicles, saying the purchase was aimed at improving movement during campaigns and not because of poor roads in his constituency.
"I did not buy those vehicles because my roads are bad. I have done more than 67 roads in my constituency, and I can account for every one of them. The vehicles are for mobility because I now have a bigger campaign team as I prepare to defend my seat."
He further maintained that campaign financing remains a key part of Kenyan politics, saying candidates need adequate resources to coordinate campaign teams, transport supporters and manage daily campaign activities.
"Money is very, very important because you have teams and everybody expects facilitation. It is used for mobilisation, fuel, running campaigns and coordinating activities. Without money, unless a miracle happens, it is very hard to compete because campaign operations require resources, even if it is not about paying voters directly."
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