UDA Triumphs in Key By-Elections: A New Chapter for the "Broad-Based" Coalition

  The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has secured decisive victories in the parliamentary and ward by-elections, reinforcing the government’s mandate across diverse regions. In a series of results that party leadership has dedicated to a burgeoning partnership with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), UDA candidates emerged on top in Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu, and Narok counties.

    The Victors: Who is Leading the New Charge?

  The by-elections were necessitated by the unfortunate passing of several sitting representatives earlier this year. The newly elected leaders include:

•David Kipsang Keter (Emurua Dikirr Parliamentary Seat): In the most high-profile race of the cycle, Keter secured a dominant win with 18,266 votes, comfortably ahead of his closest rival, Vincent Kibet Rotich of the DCP, who garnered 10,760 votes. Keter succeeds the late Johanna Ng’eno.

•Festus Korir Kiprop (Endo Ward, Elgeyo Marakwet): Kiprop won the seat with 4,475 votes, filling the vacancy left by the late Jeremiah Biwott.

•Daniel Lolngojine (Porro Ward, Samburu): Securing 2,328 votes, Lolngojine emerged victorious over KANU’s Josphat Jumani Leleur to take over the seat previously held by the late Patrick Lerte.

      Strategic Unity and the "Broad-Based" Effect

   Speaking in Nairobi following the announcements, UDA Vice Chairman Omar Hassan praised the voters for their "continued vote of faith" in the administration. He specifically highlighted that these victories were not solitary efforts but rather a consequence of "coordinated strategies" and support from coalition partners, particularly the ODM.

    This collaborative approach appears to have minimized the "excuses" typically associated with electoral losses, as Hassan thanked competitors for their courage while noting the UDA’s "demonstrable impact" on the ground.

          

UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar lauds the decisive victories of the party in the just concluded parliamentary and ward by-elections. 

         Transparency and Voter Engagement

   Despite the high stakes, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) noted varying levels of engagement. While Porro Ward saw a robust 65.96% voter turnout, Endo Ward recorded a more modest 36.59%. Regardless of the turnout figures, UDA leadership has emphasized that the process remained "free, fair, transparent, and verifiable," setting a standard for the party's internal democratic goals.

               Looking Forward

  As these three new representatives take their oaths of office, the focus shifts to their ability to deliver on the UDA's development agenda. For the party, these wins are more than just added seats; they are proof of concept for a "broad-based" political model that seeks to unify former rivals under a single legislative direction heading into the latter half of 2026.