The race for the Ol Kalou parliamentary seat enters its final phase today (Monday) as candidates wind up campaigns ahead of Thursday's by-election, ending weeks of fierce political competition that has been overshadowed by claims of voter bribery, hate speech, misuse of State resources and fears of possible violence.
Campaigns officially end at midnight, bringing to a close a 50-day contest that has attracted national political attention and turned the Nyandarua constituency into a battleground for rival parties seeking to prove their strength.
Candidates spent yesterday moving across the constituency in a final effort to secure support before the campaign deadline. From church services and football matches to door-to-door mobilisation and public meetings, every camp sought to maximise its reach before voters head to the ballot.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) toned down the involvement of government officials in its campaigns after criticism over alleged voter bribery. Cabinet secretaries and principal secretaries, who had actively participated earlier, stepped back from campaign activities from last Thursday.
The ruling party's operations were instead coordinated by Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau alongside leaders drawn from different parts of the country.
UDA candidate Muchina Nyaga attended church services before joining supporters at a football match at Kamptain market as other campaign teams spread across villages on door-to-door campaigns.
"We have had elections in Ol Kalou for many years; we have never been violent. Why is an outsider prophesying violence for us? We want peaceful campaigns. If they sense defeat, let them say so instead of causing fear and unfounded allegations. Ol Kalou people should ignore those preaching violence, let us maintain peace, we will all remain here after the elections," said Nyaga.
The Jubilee Party also intensified its final campaigns, deploying senior national and county officials to rally support for its candidate Wilson Kigwa. The team was led by Deputy Party Secretary Zack Kinuthia, Elections Director Kembi Gitura and county chairperson Sambigi Mukuria.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) equally stepped up its campaign machinery in support of Kamau Ngotho. Members of the county assembly led door-to-door campaigns while Senator John Methu and Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia accompanied the party leader to a church service in Mirangine before holding public barazas.
The campaigns close under a cloud of concern over possible violence, with political observers warning that voter intimidation, bribery and other unlawful tactics could affect voter turnout.
Former Provincial Commissioner Joseph Kaguthi said repeated assurances from authorities no longer inspire confidence among Kenyans.
"Every fresh declaration from those in authority now sounds hollow and uninspiring. The rhetoric appears more intended for the gallery than to reassure Kenyans," he said.
The campaign period has also been marked by accusations that UDA had deployed enormous financial resources to dominate the contest. Nyaga rejected those claims, insisting the ruling party had simply run an effective campaign.
"We have done a fantastic job under a hail of opposition propaganda. But the Ol Kalou voter is sharp," he said.
DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua accused the government of using State resources to influence the outcome of the election.
"The government has unleashed a rain of cash, trains, speedboats, blankets, mattresses, cereals and projects. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) failed completely to provide a level playing field in the Ol Kalou by-election," he said.
Ngotho urged residents to reject what he described as abuse of public resources during the campaign.
"There is a limit to how rogue a government can become. A government that takes mattresses from hospitals, steals from health insurance funds and education capitation to create a voter bribery budget has lost its moral authority. The people should reject it at the ballot," he said.
Kigwa maintained that despite challenges experienced during the campaigns, he remained optimistic about the outcome.
"The IEBC and security agencies did a poor job handling violence and electoral malpractices. Despite that, I had the opportunity to engage voters and I believe my track record of service has earned their trust," he said.
Besides voter bribery allegations, hate speech accusations also featured prominently during the campaigns. The IEBC fined Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia Sh1.5 million over hate speech. Muhia, who is backing the DCP candidate, accused the commission of selectively applying the electoral code of conduct.
People's Democratic Party candidate Rachel Wangui rejected claims that the contest had narrowed to a battle between UDA and DCP.
Kenya Moja Movement candidate Mathenge Mwaniki faulted the campaigns for focusing on political attacks instead of issues affecting residents.
"The leading candidates have spent more time attacking one another and making unrealistic promises than discussing solutions to the problems facing Ol Kalou residents," he said.
Federal Party of Kenya candidate Abdifatah Hussein criticised campaign organisers after he missed a televised debate that was conducted entirely in the local vernacular.
People's Renaissance Party candidate Timothy Kamau said voters had missed an opportunity to hear meaningful discussions on the constituency's social, economic and political priorities.
"The outcome of this election should also force us to ask what truly constitutes a healthy democratic debate," he said.
National Liberal Party candidate Stephen Wanyoike called on voters to reject corruption, violence and deception during the election.
Party of National Unity candidate Edwin Muchiri, who campaigned without the support of party leader Peter Munya, also expressed confidence ahead of Thursday's poll.
While the official campaign period expires at midnight, political camps are expected to continue quietly engaging supporters before voting begins on Thursday. The spotlight now shifts to the IEBC and security agencies as they prepare to oversee a peaceful, credible and transparent by-election.