Two Aspirants Step Down in Emurua Dikirr Race, Boosting Ngeno’s Bid

Two contenders have withdrawn from the Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament by-election, in a move expected to reshape the political landscape ahead of the UDA nominations.

Ezra Sawe and Benard Rono announced their decision in Bomet after a day-long negotiation aimed at consolidating support behind Benard Ngeno.

Sawe, who had recently launched his bid, said he would now back Ngeno as they face off with three other candidates. He urged his supporters to rally behind Ngeno, popularly known as “Arap Buluu.”

“There is no loser or winner in this. All of us are winners,” said GK Kechwo while announcing the decision.

Kechwo noted that the trio would now campaign together to mobilize maximum support ahead of Friday’s UDA Party nomination.

“We are now speaking with one voice and will campaign together. This is in the spirit of unity that was championed by the late MP Johana Ngeno,” he said.

Rono, who skipped the press conference, told this writer that the decision was informed by fears that the seat could slip away following the entry of several allies of the late MP into the race.

“This is a compromise to consolidate votes behind one of us and ensure we retain the seat, which is at risk of being taken away from close allies of Ngeno,” said Rono.

Sawe said his withdrawal was also strategic, allowing him to plan a stronger comeback in future elections.

Ngeno welcomed the support from his colleagues, saying he was ready to work with them going forward.

“I am humbled. It is not easy to reach a compromise, and I thank my colleagues for choosing to back me,” he said.

He promised not to let them down if elected, noting that he is well conversant with the development agenda and roadmap set by the late Johana Ngeno.

The development has forced rival camps back to the drawing board, having initially banked on divisions among the late MP’s allies.

Candidates David Keter, Tito Faroul, and Robert Leguta Temas are now recalibrating their strategies.

Keter, who has the backing of elected MCAs, had hoped to capitalize on the split but is now leaning on his experience and past electoral performance to win support.

Ngeno has also called on the UDA electoral board, led by Anthony Mwaura, to ensure a free and transparent nomination process.

He described Friday’s nomination as effectively the decisive contest.

“We do not have candidates from other parties. By Friday, the people of Emurua Dikirr will know who their leader will be,” he said.