Mpusia Amos of Kenya’s ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) was declared the winner of Thursday’s by-election in Purko ward, Kajiado County, securing a comfortable victory in a contest triggered by the death of the previous assembly member.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced that Mpusia polled 2,035 votes, well ahead of his closest challenger, Simon Sanare Saidimu of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), who managed 1,523 votes. Daniel Naikuni of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) trailed far behind with 298 votes.
Voter turnout was impressive at 80.5 percent, with 3,900 of the ward’s 4,848 registered voters casting their ballots. The strong participation underlined the importance residents attached to filling the seat left vacant earlier this year following the passing of former MCA Simon Saitoti.
Speaking shortly after the results were declared, an elated Mpusia thanked voters and his opponents for what he described as a peaceful campaign.
“I first thank God for this victory. I also thank my competitors for running a clean race and the UDA leadership for their support,” he told supporters gathered at the tallying centre. “Purko remains yellow – a true UDA zone. I promise to work with everyone, including those who stood against me, to develop this ward.”
The “yellow” reference is to the party’s official colour and its growing dominance in parts of the Maasai-dominated Kajiado County.
Prominent UDA figures quickly hailed the result as a sign of the party’s deepening grip on the region. Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Katoo ole Metito congratulated the MCA-elect, calling the win “a big statement for our political future as a county”.
Purko ward falls within Kajiado Central constituency, one of five constituencies in the vast pastoral county south of Nairobi. Local elections in Kenya often serve as barometers of shifting political loyalties, especially in areas where pastoralist communities form the majority.
Thursday’s vote was closely watched as a test of UDA’s organisational strength ahead of the 2027 general election. The party, led by President William Ruto, has been working to consolidate support in the Maasai regions after mixed results in the 2022 polls.
With Mpusia’s victory, UDA retains control of the Purko seat and sends a clear message to opposition-leaning parties that have tried to make inroads in Kajiado.
The new MCA-elect will now take his place in the Kajiado County Assembly, where development projects, land issues and water provision are expected to top his agenda. Residents say they hope the peaceful campaign and decisive outcome will translate into united efforts to address the ward’s longstanding challenges.
