The narrow win by David Kipsang Keter in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party nomination in Emurua Dikirr constituency has generated a lot of political interest in the South Rift region.
The other candidates—Kibet Rotich Farouk, Joseph Kiprono Koech, Patrick Kipkoech, John Saitoti and Joseph Leguta—were reduced to bystanders in the race.
In a constituency with 44,447 registered voters, as per the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the turnout registered in the UDA primaries—27,503—was one of the highest in a nomination process and even in a by-election, where voter apathy is usually recorded.
Mr Keter garnered 13,749 votes, while Mr Ng’eno received 13,394 votes; the other five candidates received 360 votes in total.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has set May 14 for the by-election necessitated by the death of area Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno in a helicopter crash at Chepkiyep village, Mosop constituency in Nandi County on February 28.
Ng’eno died alongside George Were (pilot), Nick Kosgei (photojournalist), Amos Kipngetich Rotich (an officer with the Kenya Forest Service), Carlos Kibet Keter (teacher), and Wycliff Kiprotich Rono (a protocol officer at the Narok County government).
Former Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament the late Johana Ng'eno
Photo credit: File | Nation
Mr Keter relied on old networks and subterranean support from the political enemies of former MP Johana Ng’eno, whom he had contested against three times but had come second.
“For Mr Keter, it was a case of reactivating old networks and political support in a constituency where the people were tired of one leader who, unfortunately, died in a helicopter crash. In the 2027 poll, Mr Keter would have carried the day against the former MP in a free and fair poll,” Mr Kipng’eno Chepkwony, the Mara Ward Member of the County Assembly in Narok West constituency, said.
United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party candidates in the Emurua Dikirr Constituency nominations David Keter (left) and Kibet Rotich Farouk wait for the results to be announced at Emurua Dikirr Secondary School on March 27, 2026.
Photo credit: Vitalis Kimutai | Nation Media Group
Mr Kipng’eno said that the results showed that people wanted a leader who would focus on the rollout of development projects and not one engaged in political battles outside the constituency and regional fights that have no direct bearing on the constituents.
Elderly voters also appeared to gravitate towards Mr Keter, known for his quiet nature, as compared with the combative style of the former MP.
“The youth and women rallied behind Mr Ng’eno in the nominations as he represented some semblance of continuity in leadership, having served as personal assistant to the former MP and understood the development agenda laid by his former boss,” Ms Betty Langat, a teacher, said.
Ms Langat said: “For a youth who did not have money, no political base to talk about other than that of his former boss, a two-week campaign window, and being a political greenhorn—to be beaten by 400 votes talks a lot about the confidence the people have in him.”
There is a consensus in the region that Mr Ng’eno, who is hardly 30 years old and a graduate of the University of Nairobi, has a bright political future in the constituency.
“For a man of his age to inspire such a following is a clear pointer that the winner cannot afford to sit pretty, as there is a possibility of him (Ng’eno) causing an upset in the future,” Mr Geoffrey Rono, a political pundit, said.
Mr Moses Kiyiapi, a youth leader from Narok South, said: “What cannot be wished away is the fact that there is a general shift in leadership in the Rift Valley. The Emurua Dikirr UDA nomination is a clear testimony of that—even if Mr Ng’eno did not win, a statement has been made by the voters.”
The outcome of the election was also a result of a contest within President William Ruto’s inner political circle, with some casting their lot with either side while others chose to watch from the sidelines.
“Some senior politicians and top technocrats, including Cabinet Secretaries, were pulling the strings behind the scenes, providing monetary and logistical support in a game of numbers and wit,” Mr Moses Cheluget, a politician, said.
Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kipchumba Murkomen, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, former Governor Samuel Tunai, and Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, who did not see eye to eye with the late MP, are said to have rallied behind Mr Keter.
President William Ruto is said to have closely monitored the nomination, repeatedly calling UDA party officials deployed on the ground and dispatching Secretary General Hassan Omar, National Election Board (NEB) Chairman Anthony Mwaura, and National Treasurer Japeth Nyakundi to address emerging issues.
President William Ruto consoles Mrs Nayianoi Ntutu Ng'eno, widow of the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johanna Ng'eno, at their Karen home in Nairobi.
Photo credit: PCS
Ms Veronica Chebet, the NEB vice chairperson, was on the ground for four days and oversaw the nomination process, including the announcement of results.
“Congratulations, David Keter aka Dollarline, on your victory in yesterday’s (Friday) party nomination in Emurua Dikirr. You have our unqualified support as you carry the party’s flag in the by-election,” President William Ruto stated after the results were released.
“We commend Bernard Ng’eno aka Buluu for running a strong campaign, cementing our party’s democracy at the grassroots,” Dr Ruto added.
President Ruto appeared to have nipped in the bud any conversation about the possibility of Mr Ng’eno running as an independent candidate and seeking another contest with Mr Keter on May 14.
“Now, we move forward as one solid team, united behind our candidate and agenda,” Dr Ruto said.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot said: “Keter’s winning in the nail-biting Emurua Dikirr UDA party primaries confirms the confidence the people have in his leadership.”
“Salute to the close and worthy challenger, Bernard Ng’eno Buluu, for putting up a spirited fight and coming a strong second with tight margins,” added Mr Cheruiyot, who is the Kericho Senator.
Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot.
Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group
Narok Governor Stephen Ole Ntutu, who was seen to have backed Mr Ng’eno in the race alongside Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok, Kericho Governor Erick Mutai, and a host of MPs, quickly congratulated the winner.
“To Mr Keter—this triumph is a testament to your dedication, hard work, and the trust the people have placed in you,” Mr Ntutu said.
“Special recognition goes to Ng’eno… thank you for your professionalism and resilience throughout this journey. Your commitment to democratic ideals is deeply valued,” he added.
Efforts by Ms Mary Tamase, the 91-year-old mother of former MP Johana Ng’eno, to retain the seat within the family failed, as all those fronted stepped down one after the other.
The Kapkaon clan, to which the family belongs, initially picked Mr Bernard Rono, an administrator at Narok County government, but he stepped down two days later and backed Mr Ng’eno.
Ms Nayianoi Ng’eno, the widow, was then fronted but later withdrew due to illness, leading to the nomination of Robert Leguta, who also stepped down and backed Mr Ng’eno.
In a sign of resignation, Ms Tamase backed Mr Ng’eno, but the endorsement appeared to have come too late, just hours before the UDA nomination.
Musicians who were beneficiaries of the late MP’s empowerment programmes were seen backing Mr Ng’eno.
Mr Keter’s win also complicates matters for the Narok Governor, who had previously not backed him, as the former legislator was a family member by marriage.
Focus now shifts to the May 14 by-election and whether other political parties will field candidates against Mr Keter.
