One Injured as UDA and DCP Supporters Clash During Tense Emurua Dikirr By-Election Voting
One person has been injured following violent clashes between supporters of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) outside Chelemei Polling Station in Kapsasian Ward during the Emurua Dikirr by-election.
The incident occurred on Thursday, May 14, as residents turned out to vote in a tightly contested race, according to Nakuru County Commissioner Reuben Lotiatia, who confirmed that security teams were swiftly deployed to restore order at the scene.
Eyewitness reports and local accounts indicate that tensions escalated when groups of supporters from the rival camps confronted each other near the polling centre, allegedly over access disputes involving party agents. The confrontation quickly degenerated into a physical scuffle, leaving one individual injured.
Authorities are yet to confirm the nature of the injury, though the victim was reportedly rushed to hospital for treatment. In a swift response, one of the DCP candidates is said to have visited the injured supporter in hospital, underscoring the heightened emotions surrounding the poll.
Further allegations have emerged that DCP supporters were earlier blocked from accessing polling stations, with their agents initially denied entry before intervention from security officers allowed them inside. This, according to party officials, may have contributed to the outbreak of violence.
The by-election follows the death of former Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno, who tragically died in a helicopter crash, triggering the contest for the vacant seat. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission) cleared five candidates to vie for the seat.
The main contest is shaping up between David Kipsang Keter, popularly known as “Dollarline”, of the UDA party, and Vincent Rotich of DCP. Keter, a prominent businessman, is widely viewed as a frontrunner in the race, although the contest remains highly competitive.
The political stakes in Emurua Dikirr are also seen as a broader test of influence between rival political forces, with analysts pointing to growing competition for grassroots support in key regions.
Elsewhere, attention is also turning to the upcoming Ol Kalou Constituency by-election, where voters will again head to the polls following the death of MP David Kiaraho on March 29, 2026, after a period of illness while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital.
Key contenders in Ol Kalou include DCP’s Sammy Kamau Ngotho, a former MCA, UDA’s Samuel Muchina Nyaga, and Jubilee’s Wilson Kigwi, setting the stage for another closely watched political battle.
Earlier, the IEBC issued strong warnings to political actors, cautioning that anyone found inciting violence or hiring goons will be barred from participating in future elections, including the 2027 General Election.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon stated that the commission will enforce provisions under the Elections Offences Act and the Electoral Code of Conduct, warning that offenders risk disqualification even at the voter registration stage.
He further indicated that candidates breaching peace agreements could face immediate suspension from campaigns, adding that the commission has already demonstrated its readiness to act by issuing fines of up to Ksh1 million in previous violations.
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