UDA Wins Three By-Elections, ODM Scoops Shella Ward

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) emerged victorious in by-elections held in Elgeyo Marakwet (senatorial), Kandara and Garissa Township parliamentary seats which fell vacant after its former holders took up Cabinet Secretary (CS) roles in President William Ruto's government.

UDA candidate William Kisang won the Elgeyo Marakwet Senatorial by-election after garnering 41,378 votes to clinch the seat, which was vacated by Kipchumba Murkomen in exchange for a role as the Transport Cabinet Secretary.

His closest competitor, Tim Kipchumba, who was an independent candidate, came in second with 38,151 votes in the race that attracted six candidates.

Elgeyo Marakwet senatorial candidate, Tim Kipchumba. /THE STAR

The other hopefuls were; the Safina Party's Jerotich Seii, independent candidates Andrew Mengich and Kelvin Kemboi and Timothy Tanui of the New Democrats Party (NDP).

"A few minutes to midnight yesterday, I called Sen. Hon. Kisang and congratulated him. I assured him of my support as my Senator and the Senator-elect of  Elgeyo Marakwet," Kipchumba stated while conceding defeat, with Seii also conceding and congratulating the senator-elect.

In the Garissa Township constituency, UDA candidate Dekow Mohamed emerged victorious after garnering 11,572 votes, ensuring that the President Ruto-led party retained the seat, vacated by Aden Duale who took up a role as Defence Cabinet Secretary (CS).

According to official results released by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Dekow won the seat ahead of Nasir Mohamed of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) who got 8,158 votes.

UDA also won in Kandara constituency after its candidate, Chege Njuguna, won the by-elections which took place on Thursday, January 5.

Chege bagged the seat after garnering 21,650 votes against his closest challenger Titus Njau Mbuchu of Ford Asili who got 14,678 votes.

"Congratulations Chege Njuguna - UDA Candidate, on winning the Kandara MP seat decisively. Congratulations to the great people of Kandara for their confidence. Tunawashukuru sana (we thank you all very much).

"Chege Njuguna will work and deliver progress," Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro said in his congratulatory message to him.

Atwaa Salim Mohamed of ODM receives certificate from Lamu West IEBC Returning Officer Isaiah Saha Madzungu after winning the Shella Ward County Assembly seat on January 5, 2023. /DAILY NATION