Samuel Muchina Nyaga has emerged as the United Democratic Alliance candidate for the upcoming Ol Kalou Constituency by-election scheduled for July 16, after winning the party primaries held on Friday, May 8.
Nyaga, who previously worked as the personal assistant to the late David Kiaraho, secured victory in a tightly contested race that drew 10 aspirants seeking the ruling party’s endorsement.
According to official results released by UDA, he garnered 3,221 votes to finish ahead of his closest challenger, George Wambugu Kanuri, who received 3,077 votes. The margin of victory stood at 144 votes.
Despite the high number of candidates in the race, the exercise recorded a relatively low voter turnout, with a total of 8,258 ballots cast across the constituency. Political observers noted that the crowded field may have split support among the contenders, resulting in a narrow finish between the leading candidates.
Other aspirants who participated in the nomination included Peter Njoroge Mugo, who received 1,049 votes, Mary Nyokabi Kamau with 406 votes, Peter Chuchu Njuguna with 158, Maina Kiambati with 96, Joseph Ndirangu with 90, Ezekiah Kamweru with 66, Daniel Ndungu with 52, and Stanley Mwangi with 43 votes.
Following the announcement, Jimmy Kahindi officially presented Nyaga with the nomination certificate at Mumbi Primary School, clearing the way for him to carry the party flag in the by-election.
The July 16 mini-poll will be closely watched as UDA seeks to retain the seat previously held by Kiaraho, while opposition parties are expected to field strong challengers in what is shaping up to be a key political contest in Nyandarua County.