A section of leaders from the Western region has faulted voters in Ol Kalou for overwhelmingly rejecting the ruling UDA party in the recently concluded by-election, arguing that the electorate failed to appreciate the government’s support.
Speaking at a public gathering in Kakamega, Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub #Savula said the outcome was surprising, claiming residents had benefited from various government donations, including cooking gas cylinders and mattresses, but still voted for the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
Savula argued that the voters should have rewarded President William Ruto’s administration by backing the UDA candidate instead of handing victory to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s allied party.
“What we saw in Ol Kalou was a betrayal from people who had been given everything, including free cooking gas and mattresses. Here in Western, we will not do that. We have to support President Ruto,” Savula said.
The deputy governor further urged President Ruto to prioritize development projects in regions that support his administration, suggesting resources should be directed to areas where the government receives political backing.
Similar remarks were made by Butere MP Tindi Mwale, who also questioned the voting pattern in Ol Kalou. He argued that the government had invested heavily in the constituency ahead of the by-election and expected that support to translate into votes for the ruling party.
According to Mwale, the assistance and development initiatives extended to the area should have been enough to secure victory for the UDA candidate.
Despite the government’s campaign efforts, DCP candidate Sammy Douglas Waweru Kamau won the by-election in a landslide after garnering 35,440 votes, while UDA’s Samuel Muchina finished a distant second with 5,450 votes.
The Ol Kalou by-election has since sparked political debate, with leaders offering differing interpretations of the outcome as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to Luhya politicians, Ol kalou people ought to have voted for UDA candidate because they were given mattresses and gas. Here is a video of Kakamega County Deputy Governor Ayub Savula and Butere MP Tindi Mwale pic.twitter.com/t9G1WJxFR5
— Chrispen Akali (@chrisakali) July 20, 2026