David Kipsang Keter has won the UDA nomination for the Emurua Dikirr parliamentary by-election, which is set to take place on May 14, 2026. Keter received a total of 13,749 votes, narrowly defeating Bernard Kipkoech Ngeno, who garnered 13,394 votes in the party ticket nominations.
The by-election was necessitated by the tragic death of Johana Ng’eno, who passed away in a helicopter crash on February 28, 2026. Ng’eno was serving his third consecutive term in Parliament at the time of his death.
President William Ruto congratulated Keter on his victory, stating, “Congratulations, David Keter aka Dollarline, on your victory in yesterday’s UDA party nominations in Emurua Dikirr Constituency. You have our unqualified support as you carry the party’s flag into the by-election.” Ruto also commended Bernard Ng’eno for running a strong campaign, highlighting the importance of grassroots democracy within the party.
The helicopter crash involved an AS350 helicopter, registration 5Y-DSB, and resulted in the loss of six lives. Johana Ng’eno was born in 1972 and first elected to Parliament in 2013, serving three terms until his untimely death.
The upcoming by-election will be a significant event for the UDA party as they seek to maintain their influence in the region following the loss of a prominent leader. The party’s nomination process has underscored the competitive nature of local politics in Emurua Dikirr.
As the date for the by-election approaches, the political landscape in Emurua Dikirr is expected to evolve, with various candidates positioning themselves to gain support from the electorate. The impact of Ng’eno’s legacy will likely play a crucial role in shaping the campaign strategies of the candidates.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full slate of candidates who may enter the race as independents or from other parties, which could further complicate the dynamics of the upcoming election.
With Keter now officially the UDA candidate, attention will turn to how he will address the issues facing the constituents of Emurua Dikirr and whether he can successfully rally support in the wake of Ng’eno’s passing.
