Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi has urged President William Ruto to abandon plans for a Mt Kenya running mate following the United Democratic Alliance (UDA)'s defeat in the Ol Kalou by-election.

The result, where DCP candidate Sammy Kamau beat UDA's Sammy Muchina, is seen as a proxy battle between Ruto and his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua.

Abdullahi argues that the loss highlights the need for Ruto to pick a running mate from Nyanza or Western Kenya to improve chances in the 2027 general election.

He dismisses Kiambu politicians' assurances of Mt Kenya support, comparing them to those who misled former president Daniel arap Moi in the 1990s.Abdullahi warns that relying on Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki could lead to a 'humiliating defeat' if taken as a guaranteed vote bank.

The by-election result has energized Gachagua's political camp, suggesting his influence in Mt Kenya may be stronger than previously acknowledged.