Belgut MP Nelson Koech has reflected on the recent Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, emphasizing that attracting large crowds during campaigns does not guarantee electoral victory.
Speaking on Citizen TV's Day Break, Koech said the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) must learn from the outcome, which saw the opposition Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) clinch its first parliamentary seat despite UDA’s vigorous campaign efforts.
Key Lessons for UDA
- Koech noted that big crowds at rallies did not translate into votes, marking a significant takeaway for UDA.
- The party’s campaign included visits from senior leaders and accelerated government development projects in Nyandarua County.
- Despite these efforts, UDA’s candidate lost the seat, previously held by the Jubilee Party.
- Koech acknowledged the defeat as a warning to intensify grassroots mobilisation, especially in Central Kenya.
Polling and Voter Turnout Insights
The MP also discussed pre-election opinion polls, which showed mixed predictions. Some surveys indicated a narrow UDA lead, while others forecasted a loss by five to ten percent.
He criticized some polls for relying heavily on campaign attendance figures rather than scientific methods, which may have skewed expectations.
Koech pointed out that while UDA’s message resonated well with younger voters, the majority of those who turned out to vote were older residents, potentially affecting the final results.
Campaign Strategy Reflections
Defending UDA’s approach, Koech said the party deployed teams to promote both their candidate and development agenda, aiming to retain the seat.
However, he clarified that he was not directly involved in the on-ground campaign operations, stating, "I did not personally go to Ol Kalou. Whatever machinery they deployed to campaign for our candidate, I didn't know. But we wanted a win as UDA."
