The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has officially declared United Democratic Alliance candidate David Kipsang Keter the winner of the Emurua Dikirr parliamentary by-election held on Thursday.
According to the official results announced by Returning Officer Caleb Gekonde, Keter garnered 18,266 votes to defeat Democratic Congress Party candidate Vincent Kibet Rotich, who received 10,760 votes.
The closely watched by-election attracted national political attention amid growing competition between the ruling UDA party and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP outfit.
The Emurua Dikirr seat fell vacant following the death of former area MP Johana Ng’eno, who died in a helicopter crash earlier this year.
IEBC said the constituency recorded a voter turnout of 66.6 percent, with 29,538 votes cast from a total of 44,353 registered voters.
Speaking after his victory, Keter thanked residents for supporting his bid and expressed confidence in serving the constituency effectively.
“I am grateful for the support the people of Emurua Dikirr have accorded me and the confidence they have shown in my leadership,” he said.
Keter also reflected on his previous unsuccessful attempts at the seat, saying persistence had finally paid off.
“I have kept up the fight and never gave up despite losing before. I believed one day the victory would come, and now that time has arrived,” he added.
The by-election, however, was not without drama after clashes erupted between UDA and DCP supporters outside Chelemei Polling Station in Kapsasian Ward.
Reports indicated that disagreements emerged after some DCP supporters allegedly faced difficulties accessing polling stations.
One person was reportedly injured during the confrontation and rushed to hospital for treatment.
Security officers were deployed across the constituency to maintain order during the voting exercise and tallying process, with IEBC officials reporting that most polling stations remained peaceful.
The mini-poll is being viewed as an important political contest ahead of the 2027 General Election, especially as DCP continues positioning itself as a growing opposition force in several regions.
On the same day, UDA candidates also secured victories in the Porro Ward by-election in Samburu County and Endo Ward in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Attention now shifts to the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election in Nyandarua County scheduled for July 16.
