Voting is underway in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, with polling stations across the Nyandarua County constituency in Central Kenya opening on schedule Thursday morning as residents turn out to elect their next Member of Parliament.

The exercise got off to a smooth start in many polling stations, where officials reported no hitches.

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyaga cast his ballot at Huruma Primary School in Kaimbaga Ward at 7am, while DCP candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru voted at AC Primary School, Ol Kalou, at around 9am.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has set up 144 polling stations for the poll, with about 73,480 registered voters eligible to take part.

The by-election was triggered by the death of longtime Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho, who died on March 29 after more than a decade representing the constituency. Kiaraho was first elected in 2013 and successfully defended the seat in the 2017 and 2022 General Elections.

Beyond the local stakes of roads, farming and healthcare, the vote is being framed nationally as a proxy battle between President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for influence over the Mt Kenya voting bloc ahead of the 2027 General Election.