National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei has attributed the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party’s significant loss in the Ol Kalou by-election to flawed campaign strategies rather than rejection of President William Ruto or the party itself.

Speaking at the Women Achievers Conference and Awards 2026, Shollei highlighted that the UDA campaign’s reliance on monetary inducements and coercive tactics alienated voters instead of winning their support. She emphasized that genuine connections with the electorate were lacking.

Campaign Missteps Cited

Shollei referenced a televised investigative report revealing voters being handed money and physically pushed during the campaign, describing such actions as humiliating and ineffective. She argued that these tactics failed to build lasting voter loyalty.

“People don’t remember what you gave them; they remember how you made them feel,” Shollei said, underscoring the importance of respect and issue-based campaigning over displays of power or wealth.

Women’s Role in Campaigns

She further suggested that involving more women in campaign management could improve outcomes. According to Shollei, women tend to focus on issues rather than ego, fostering better voter engagement.

Election Context and Outcome

The Ol Kalou by-election was a contest mainly between UDA’s Samuel Muchina Nyagah and the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho, who won decisively with 35,440 votes against Nyagah’s 5,450. Ngotho was backed by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The election was marred by violence, including gunfire and tear gas near polling stations, and attacks on journalists, raising concerns about the electoral environment’s safety and integrity.

Broader Electoral Concerns

Former Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director Irũngũ Houghton criticized the state’s handling of the election, warning that ongoing bribery, intimidation, and violence undermine Kenya’s democracy. He called for reforms to ensure free, fair, and credible elections ahead of 2027.

Houghton stressed the need for accountability, urging authorities to investigate and prosecute electoral offenders to restore public confidence.