As the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) prepares for a crucial nomination in Emurua Dikirr, intense competition unfolds behind the scenes.
Strategic negotiations, evolving alliances, and a determined effort to secure the political legacy of the late MP Johana Ng’eno are at play.
Ng’eno’s unexpected passing in February not only created a leadership void but also disrupted a well-established political framework within the constituency.
Numerous aspirants have emerged, each striving to garner support ahead of the nominations set for March 27, 2026.
Recently, several aspirants have withdrawn, choosing to support a frontrunner believed to have strong connections to Ng’eno’s inner circle.
Key allies of the late MP have united, endorsing Bernard Ng’eno (Buluu), a former personal assistant to the legislator, as their candidate.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has scheduled the Emurua Dikirr by-election for May 14, 2026, with 44,447 registered voters expected to participate across 94 polling stations. The commission estimates the cost of this exercise at Sh59 million.
The competition has begun to narrow, as two candidates—Ezra Sawe, an employee of the Narok County Government, and Bernard Rono, a county administrator—have officially withdrawn from the race.
Their decision came after a closed-door meeting among key constituency figures, leading to the selection of a single candidate.
Ng’eno is poised to compete in the UDA nominations against the former MP’s widow, Nayianoi Ng’eno, businessman David Keter, police officer Kibet Rotich, and accountant Joseph Kiprono Koech.
In a recent media briefing in Bomet, Ng’eno expressed gratitude for the backing he received from influential politicians close to the late MP.
He emphasized that the people of Emurua Dikirr expect the team left behind by Ng’eno to provide steady leadership and continue ongoing development initiatives.
“We bear a significant responsibility as those who were close to our former MP to unite his supporters and ensure we secure the parliamentary seat to complete his projects,” Ng’eno stated.
He further remarked, “Our collaboration as candidates reflects the wishes of Emurua Dikirr constituents, who urged us to select one among us as the flag bearer. The responsibility now rests on my shoulders, and I encourage our supporters to engage in house-to-house campaigns to secure this seat.”
Ezekiel Korir, the Elkerin Ward Member of the County Assembly, has endorsed businessman Keter for the upcoming by-election, indicating that he has temporarily set aside his own political ambitions.
Korir, who was also a strong contender for the seat, recently decided to support Keter.
Mr. Keter, who has faced defeat against the late Ng’eno in previous elections, expressed optimism about his chances, asserting that he is now strategically positioned to win the seat and carry on Ng’eno’s legacy.
“I am confident that the people of Emurua Dikirr will grant me the mandate to serve as their MP, enabling me to complete ongoing projects and initiate new ones,” Keter affirmed.
