UDA Triumphs in Emurua Dikirr as David Keter Crushes DCP Rival in High-Stakes By-Election
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has officially declared David Kipsang Keter of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) the winner of the fiercely contested Emurua Dikirr parliamentary by-election in Narok County.
In results announced on Thursday, May 15, IEBC Returning Officer Caleb Gekonde confirmed that Keter secured 18,266 votes, defeating his closest challenger, Vincent Kibet Rotich of the Democratic Congress Party (DCP), who garnered 10,760 votes.
“Caleb Gekonde, the IEBC Returning Officer for Member of National Assembly for Emurua Dikirr Constituency in Narok County, declared David Kipsang Keter of UDA Party the winner after getting 18,266 votes. Vincent Kibet Rotich of the DCP Party finished second with 10,760 votes,” the electoral body announced.
The hotly contested by-election attracted significant political attention, with voter turnout hitting 66.6 per cent. IEBC data showed that 29,538 ballots were cast from a total of 44,353 registered voters, signalling strong public interest in the race.
Speaking shortly after being declared the winner, Keter thanked residents for entrusting him with leadership, describing the victory as the culmination of years of persistence after several unsuccessful attempts at capturing the seat.
“I am grateful for the support the people of Emurua Dikirr have accorded me, the confidence in my leadership, and I wish to assure them that I would not let them down,” Keter said.
“I have kept up the fight and did not give up after repeatedly losing the position in previous elections. But I knew that one day, one time, the win would surely come. That time is now,” he added.
The by-election was conducted to replace former area MP Johana Ng’eno, who died in a tragic helicopter crash, leaving the constituency without representation.
However, the exercise was not without controversy.
Tension flared during voting after rival supporters from UDA and DCP clashed outside Chelemei Polling Station in Kapsasian Ward. Reports indicated that some DCP supporters allegedly faced difficulties accessing polling stations, sparking confrontations that left one person injured.
The injured individual was rushed to hospital for treatment, with Keter later visiting them following the incident. Despite the isolated chaos, IEBC officials maintained that the rest of the constituency experienced minimal disruptions during the voting and tallying process.
Heavy security deployment was witnessed across Emurua Dikirr as authorities moved to prevent violence and maintain order throughout the exercise.
Meanwhile, UDA also emerged victorious in two separate county assembly by-elections held on the same day.
In Porro Ward, Daniel Lolngojine clinched victory after securing 2,328 votes against KANU candidate Josphat Jumani Leleur, who received 1,036 votes. The ward recorded a voter turnout of 65.96 per cent.
UDA also carried the day in Endo Ward, where Festus Korir Kiprop won decisively with 4,475 votes, defeating NDP’s Shadrack Kosgei Chelang’a, who managed 752 votes. Voter turnout in the ward stood at 36.59 per cent.
Attention now shifts to the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election in Nyandarua County, which is scheduled for July 16 and is expected to trigger another intense political showdown.
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