- Businessman David Kipsang Keter has won the Democratic Union ticket for Emurua Dikirr after narrowly defeating Bernard Kipkoech Ng’eno
- The by-election follows the death of local MP Johana Ng’eno, who died in a helicopter crash in Nandi county
- Keter, popularly known as “Dollarline,” received 13,759 votes to his opponent’s 13,394, marking a victory after many previous attempts.
Businessman David Kipsang Keter has won the United Democratic Party (UDA) parliamentary ticket for Emurua Dikirr.
Source: Facebook
The by-election follows the death of local MP Johana Ng’eno, who died in a helicopter crash on Saturday, February 28, in Chepkiyep village in Mosop Constituency, Nandi County.
Ng’eno was the state’s only member of parliament since its creation in 2013, after unsuccessfully running for the Kilgoris seat in 2007.
How did Kipsang win the UDA nomination in Emurua Dikirr?
The entrepreneur managed to defeat his nearest rival in a highly competitive selection exercise held across the state.
Keter, a well-known name in the local political scene, got 13,759 votes against Bernard Kipkoech Ng’eno, a former personal assistant to the late Johana Ng’eno MP, who got 13,394 votes.
The results showed little difference in what has long been considered one of the region’s most competitive political battlegrounds.
The results were announced at 8:45pm on Friday, March 27, at the Emurua Dikirr High School hall by the Vice Chairman of the National Electoral Board of UDA Veronica Chebet, who supervised the counting process.
“The voting process has been smooth, without any bad incidents. The counting of votes has been completed and the winner has emerged as Mr. Keter according to the wishes of the voters,” Chebet said while confirming the results.
Keter’s victory marks a milestone in a political career characterized by endurance ahead of the next by-election scheduled for May 14, 2026, as scheduled by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“We won. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, people of Emurua Dikirr State,” Keter announced on Facebook. Emurua
Known as “Dollarline,” he has run for parliament three times, in 2013, 2017, and 2022, finishing second behind Ng’eno in each attempt.
His influence in local politics began in 2007, when he took on the role of mobilizing support for Ng’eno during the Kilgoris parliamentary contest.
Although Ng’eno lost the contest, the alliance marked Keter’s early involvement in shaping the political direction of the region.
What did UDA leaders say about the selection exercise?
The nomination attracted a lot of attention, not only because of the number but also because of the political weight of the candidates involved.
Ng’eno, who finished second, had entered the race with the support of some supporters who were loyal to the late MP.
Source: Facebook
Despite the soft conclusion, the exercise was not without controversy, with early reports from some polling stations citing allegations of voter bribery, repeat voting, and proxy voting, particularly in Ollomasani and Elkerin wards.
Polling also experienced delays at several polling stations, with some opening till 5 am due to delays in electronic equipment.
However, party officials later indicated that the challenges had been addressed in time to allow the process to continue.
UDA General Secretary Hassan Omar, who visited the polling stations along with party officials, praised the turnout.
“The voter turnout is very impressive and shows the grassroots support that the UDA enjoys in the region and across the country ahead of the next general election,” Omar said.
He added that the ruling party has remained neutral throughout the process, allowing voters to freely decide on their next leader.
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