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UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan addresses journalists on the Ol Kalou by-election outcome, saying the party respects voters’ choice in Nairobi on July 17, 2026. |
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has accepted the outcome of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, saying the result reflects a changing political landscape where traditional party strongholds can no longer be taken for granted.
UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan said the outcome was a demonstration of the evolving nature of Kenyan politics, with voters increasingly determining the direction of political contests across the country.
“This time we did not emerge victorious, but it shows you that there is a shifting architecture of national politics that former strongholds have become battlegrounds and former battlegrounds have become strongholds,” Hassan said during a press briefing in Nairobi.
He said the party respected the decision of Ol Kalou voters and would use the experience as a lesson as it prepares for the 2027 General Election.
Hassan maintained that UDA remained a national party committed to competing in every part of the country, regardless of previous voting patterns.
“We will participate in every election. UDA will field a candidate in every part of this country in the coming General Election, Insha’Allah,” he said.
The Secretary General thanked party supporters, campaign managers and leaders who took part in the Ol Kalou campaigns, describing their efforts as a demonstration of commitment and resilience.
He singled out National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Dennis Itumbi, former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria and other party officials for their role in leading the campaign.
Hassan also praised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for overseeing the by-election, saying the commission allowed the will of voters to prevail.
“You did a stellar job. You held us all to account. You let the popular will of the people of Kenya prevail,” he said.
He noted that UDA and its coalition partners had experienced both victories and defeats in previous by-elections, including wins in Isiolo and Mandera, as well as victories by coalition partners in Magarini, Kasipul and Ugunja.
According to Hassan, the mixed electoral outcomes showed that political dynamics were continuously shifting and required parties to maintain engagement with voters across the country.
Addressing questions on the resources invested by UDA in the Ol Kalou contest, Hassan said the party’s involvement was informed by the significance of the Mount Kenya region in President William Ruto’s 2022 election victory.
He said the government had continued to support the region through development programmes and representation in senior government positions, while maintaining that public resources were being distributed across the country.
“The President has a mandate and a responsibility to reciprocate the support of those who showed him favour,” Hassan said.
He added that the government’s approach was based on inclusivity and not political exclusion, noting that development programmes would continue benefiting all Kenyans regardless of their voting choices.
“We do not serve only those who vote for us. We serve all Kenyans fairly under the solemn oath of office to govern with fairness, equity and justice,” he said.
Hassan said the administration would continue investing in roads, water, energy projects and other infrastructure in areas that had historically received limited development.
He further urged political leaders to accept election outcomes and focus on strengthening national unity, saying contests should not become a source of division.
“Elections are political contestations. They happen, they end, and the nation must move on as one united, indivisible country,” he said.
The UDA official also commended security agencies, led by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, for ensuring the by-election was conducted peacefully.
He said the party would remain focused on expanding its support base ahead of the 2027 General Election, maintaining that the Ol Kalou outcome provided an opportunity to reassess and strengthen its political strategy.
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