Businessman David Kipsang Keter has won the United Democratic Alliance nomination ticket for the Emurua Dikirr parliamentary by-election after a tightly contested and closely watched exercise.
Keter secured 13,749 votes, narrowly defeating Bernard Kipkoech Ngeno, who garnered 13,394 votes in the exercise conducted across 96 polling stations.
The slim margin highlighted the competitiveness of the race, which attracted significant voter turnout across the constituency. The nomination drew national attention as supporters of both candidates turned out in large numbers to participate in the party primaries.
Party officials said the exercise proceeded smoothly in most polling stations, despite isolated claims of irregularities including bribery, repeat voting and proxy voting.
United Democratic Alliance National Election Board vice chairperson Veronica Chebet confirmed that the results reflected the will of the voters.
“The voting process has been smooth, free of any ugly incidences. The tallying is complete, and the winner has emerged as Mr Keter as per the wishes of the voters,” she said.
Leaders praise peaceful process
Leaders from across the political divide commended residents for maintaining peace throughout the campaigns and voting process.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen congratulated Keter, describing the win as a result of persistence and resilience.
“Hearty congratulations to David Keter on winning the hotly contested nomination for Emurua Dikirr constituency. Your patience, persistence, and resilience have finally paid off,” he said.
Murkomen also praised Ngeno for putting up a strong challenge.
“To Bernard Ng’eno, who came a close second, well done for putting up a spirited fight. You have demonstrated great strength and sportsmanship,” he added.
Nandi Senator Kiprotich Arap Cherargei described the process as transparent and efficient, while Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya also lauded both candidates and voters for ensuring a peaceful exercise.
Murkomen further noted that the campaigns stood out for their unique approach, characterized by music and poetry in a calm and civil environment.
By-election set for May
Keter will now fly the United Democratic Alliance flag in the by-election scheduled for 14 May 2026.
The election will be conducted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission in a constituency with 44,447 registered voters.
The by-election was necessitated by the death of area Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno, who died in a helicopter crash on 28 February 2026 in Nandi County. The aircraft burst into flames on impact, with witnesses reporting thick smoke from the wreckage.
Keter enters the race as a strong contender, having unsuccessfully challenged the late Ng’eno three times in previous elections.
Following the declaration of results, the party Electoral and Nominations Disputes Resolution Committee asked any aggrieved candidates to file complaints within 24 hours.
“All electoral disputes should be lodged before the committee within twenty-four hours upon declaration of results,” chairperson Adrian Kamotho said in a notice.
The focus now shifts to the by-election campaign, with Keter expected to face candidates from rival parties in what is shaping up to be a closely contested race.
