By NewsRoom 
By Lucas Kasosi
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) on Tuesday issued nomination certificates to winners of its recently concluded party primaries in Emurua Dikirr Constituency, Poro Ward in Samburu County, and Endo Ward in Elgeyo Marakwet County, marking the formal close of a competitive internal electoral process ahead of the by-elections set for May 14, 2026.
The issuance of the certificates also reflects what the party described as its commitment to structured internal democracy at a time when party primaries in Kenya are often associated with confusion, logistical breakdowns, parallel tallying, and post-election disputes. In the three contests, UDA said it sought to demonstrate order, procedural clarity, and organized grassroots participation.
In Emurua Dikirr Constituency, UDA handed the nomination certificate to David Kipsang Keter, popularly known as Dollarline, after he won a tightly contested parliamentary primary against Bernard Kipkoech Ng’eno, alias Buluu. Mr Keter secured 13,772 votes against Mr Ng’eno’s 13,358, winning the ticket by a margin of 414 votes. The contest was one of the most closely watched internal races in the party, owing both to the political significance of the seat and the circumstances under which it fell vacant.
The Emurua Dikirr parliamentary by-election was occasioned by the death of area MP Johana Ngong Ng’eno, who died in a helicopter crash in Chepkiep, Nandi County, on February 28, 2026. His death created a politically sensitive vacancy in a constituency where he had built a strong grassroots base over three election cycles.
UDA officials said the nomination exercise in Emurua Dikirr was conducted in an orderly and transparent manner despite the high stakes involved. Voting was carried out across more than 90 polling stations, with reports indicating a strong turnout.
“The process was transparent, credible and reflective of the will of the people,” a UDA official said.
Supporters of the process said the conduct of the nomination demonstrated the party’s ability to run internal elections that inspire confidence among members and preserve the legitimacy of its candidates.
In Poro Ward, Samburu County, UDA issued its nomination certificate to Daniel Lolngojine after he emerged the winner in the party primaries held on March 28. Mr Lolngojine garnered more than 1,400 votes, defeating his closest challenger, John Lengosek.
Party officials said the Poro Ward exercise formed part of UDA’s broader efforts to strengthen grassroots structures and enhance participation in local-level contests.
In Endo Ward, Elgeyo Marakwet County, UDA handed the nomination certificate to Festus Korir Kirop, who won a closely contested race after garnering 2,761 votes. He edged out Anthony Chepserek Kiptoo, who polled 2,705 votes, in a contest that attracted multiple candidates.
Other candidates in the race included Michael Kisang Kilimo, John Kitum Lochaa, Sammy Kemboi Kipkeu, Philemon Kirop Murkomen, and Ronchers Kimaiyo Torokwo.
Party insiders described the Endo Ward nomination as highly competitive, noting that the close margin between the top candidates underscored the importance of a credible tallying process.
UDA officials said the issuance of nomination certificates marks the conclusion of a structured and transparent process overseen by the party’s National Elections Board, which incorporated digital systems aimed at enhancing accountability and reducing irregularities.
The party has in recent months reiterated its commitment to free and fair nominations, with its leadership maintaining that internal contests are a democratic right of members.
With the nomination phase concluded, attention now shifts to the May 14 by-elections, where the UDA candidates will face off against contenders from other political parties in what are expected to be closely watched contests.
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