David Kipsang Keter has emerged victorious in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) nomination for the Emurua Dikirr parliamentary by-election, securing 13,749 votes. His closest competitor, Bernard Kipkoech Ngeno, garnered 13,394 votes, resulting in a narrow margin of victory of 355 votes.
The by-election is scheduled for May 14, 2026, and was necessitated by the tragic death of the area’s long-serving Member of Parliament, Johana Ng’eno, who lost his life in a helicopter crash in Nandi County in late February 2026.
Keter’s victory in the nomination process, which took place across 96 polling stations, marks a significant moment in his political career, as he has previously contested against the late MP Johana Ng’eno three times without success.
Kipchumba Murkomen, a prominent figure in the UDA, congratulated Keter, stating, “Hearty congratulations to David Keter on winning the hotly contested UDA nomination for Emurua Dikirr Constituency.”
William Ruto, the party leader, expressed his support for Keter, saying, “You have our unqualified support as you carry the party’s flag into the by-election.”
This upcoming by-election is expected to attract significant attention, given the political history of the region and the circumstances surrounding the vacancy. Observers are keen to see how Keter’s previous experiences will influence his campaign.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full list of candidates who will contest in the by-election, as other parties may also field their nominees in the coming weeks.
The Emurua Dikirr constituency has been a focal point in Kenyan politics, and the outcome of the by-election could have implications for the UDA’s standing in the region.
As the date approaches, both Keter and Ngeno will likely ramp up their campaigning efforts to secure votes from the electorate.
The community is expected to engage actively in the electoral process, reflecting on the legacy of the late Johana Ng’eno and what they seek in their next representative.
