Vincent Kiplimo Rutto, the 23-year-old son of the late ward representative Julius Kipruto Keter, has been declared the new Member of County Assembly for Chemundu/Kapng’etuny ward in Nandi County after cruising to victory in Wednesday’s by-election.
The United Democratic Alliance candidate garnered 3999 votes, trouncing his opponents in a poll that reinforced the ruling party’s firm hold on the Rift Valley region.
Independent candidate Robert Kirwa finished a distant third with 225 votes, while other contestants lagged further behind, according to results announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
Landslide victory seals UDA dominance
The by-election was triggered by the death in March of Julius Keter, a popular United Democratic Alliance MCA who had held the seat since 2022. Keter’s untimely passing created a void that many residents felt could only be filled by his son.
From the day Vincent Rutto launched his bid, voters openly spoke of “continuing the old man’s work”. Campaign materials featuring both father and son dotted the tea plantations and trading centres of Kapng’etuny and Chemundu under the slogan “Legacy Continues”.
“People loved my father. They trusted him with development projects, roads, bursaries and water. They told me they wanted someone who understands their issues the way he did,” the MCA-elect told journalists shortly after his win was confirmed.
Jubilant scenes as young leader is carried aloft
Draped in the signature yellow United Democratic Alliance cap and scarf, Rutto was lifted onto supporters’ shoulders as a brass band played outside Chemundu Primary School, the tallying centre.
Local party officials described the outcome as fresh evidence that United Democratic Alliance remains the dominant force in President William Ruto political backyard.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, who actively campaigned for the young candidate, said the result “shows the people still have confidence in Kenya Kwanza administration at the grassroots”.
Opposition cries foul over turnout and resources
Opposition voices pointed to low voter turnout and accused the ruling party of deploying state resources to mobilise support – allegations United Democratic Alliance leaders brushed off as excuses.
Vincent Rutto is expected to take the oath of office next week, becoming one of the youngest ward representatives in the country. He steps into a role many say will be challenging to fill, yet carries the powerful advantage of a familiar name and an overwhelming mandate.
