David Keter Clinches UDA Ticket in Emurua Dikirr After Three Failed Attempts

David Keter Clinches UDA Ticket in Emurua Dikirr After Three Failed Attempts

Businessman David Kipsang Keter has secured the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket for the Emurua Dikirr parliamentary by-election, marking a significant political breakthrough after three unsuccessful attempts to win the seat.

Keter was declared the winner following a closely contested party nomination exercise held on Friday, March 27, across 96 polling stations in the constituency. The results place him in a strong position ahead of the by-election scheduled by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

According to official figures, Keter garnered 13,759 votes, narrowly defeating his closest rival, Bernard Kipkoech Ng’eno, who secured 13,394 votes. Ng’eno, a former personal assistant to the late area MP Johana Ng’eno, mounted a strong challenge in a race that remained tight until the final tally.

The nomination process, however, was not without controversy. Reports emerged from several polling stations alleging incidents of voter bribery, repeat voting, and proxy voting, raising concerns about the integrity of the exercise. Despite these claims, party officials maintained that the process was largely credible.

UDA National Elections Board Vice Chairperson Veronica Chebet, who oversaw the tallying process at Emurua Dikirr Secondary School, affirmed that the voting exercise proceeded smoothly.

“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,” Chebet said while announcing the results.

Keter’s victory has been widely interpreted as a testament to persistence, having unsuccessfully challenged the late Ng’eno in previous elections. His win now positions him as the UDA flagbearer in a constituency considered politically significant within the Rift Valley region.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen congratulated the winner in a statement posted on social media, praising his resilience and determination.

“Hearty congratulations to David Keter on winning the hotly contested UDA nomination for Emurua Dikirr Constituency. Your patience, persistence, and resilience have finally paid off,” Murkomen said.

He also commended Ng’eno for his performance, describing it as a demonstration of strong political competition.

“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.

Meanwhile, the party’s Electoral and Nominations Disputes Resolution Committee (ENDRC) has invited any aggrieved candidates or stakeholders to file formal complaints within a strict timeline.

Committee Chairperson Adrian Kamotho issued a notice stating:

“All electoral disputes should be lodged before the ENDRC within twenty-four (24) hours, upon declaration of results or nomination decision giving rise to the respective dispute,” Kamotho said.

The upcoming by-election was necessitated by the death of Johana Ng’eno, who perished in a helicopter crash on February 28, 2026, in Chepkiyep village, Mosop Constituency, Nandi County. His death left the parliamentary seat vacant, prompting the IEBC to schedule a fresh election for May 14.

With approximately 44,447 registered voters, the Emurua Dikirr contest is expected to draw significant political attention, particularly as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Political analysts suggest that Keter’s nomination gives UDA a strategic advantage in the race, although the narrow margin in the primaries indicates that competition could remain intense.

As the dispute resolution window remains open, attention now shifts to whether any petitions will be filed and how they may impact the party’s preparations for the by-election.

For Keter, the victory represents both a personal milestone and a critical opportunity to translate years of political ambition into electoral success at the national level.

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David Keter Clinches UDA Ticket in Emurua Dikirr After Three Failed Attempts