Ruto Sends Message to David Keter & Bernard Ng'eno After Emurua Dikirr UDA Nominations

President William Ruto has congratulated David Keter following the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) nominations held on Friday, March 27, 2026, to pick the party’s candidate for the upcoming Emurua Dikirr by-election.

The nominations were conducted to replace former area MP Johanna Ng’eno, who died in a helicopter crash in Nandi County.

In a statement dated Saturday, March 28, 2026, the Head of State praised both Keter and his main rival, Bernard Ng’eno, for participating in what he described as a democratic and competitive exercise.

“Congratulations David Keter aka Dollarline on your victory in yesterday’s UDA party nominations in Emurua Dikirr Constituency,” Ruto said.

“You have our unqualified support as you carry the party’s flag into the by-election.”

President Ruto Congratulates Both Candidates

The President also praised Bernard Ng’eno, commonly called Buluu, for running a strong campaign, highlighting that the contest enhanced grassroots democracy in the ruling party.

“We commend Bernard Ng’eno aka Buluu for running a strong campaign, cementing our party’s democracy at the grassroots,” he added.

Also Read: Ruto Breaks Silence Following UDA’s Clean Sweep in By-Elections

Ruto further called for unity among party members ahead of the by-election, urging them to rally behind the party’s candidate.

“Now, we move forward as one solid team, united behind our candidate and our agenda,” he stated.

UDA Leaders Weigh In

Several leaders allied to the UDA party also reacted to the outcome, praising both candidates and the conduct of the exercise.

Nandi Senator, Samson Cherargei, described the race as a tightly contested one.

“Congratulations Hon. David Kipsang Keter ‘Dollarline’ for winning Emurua Dikirr Constituency UDA nominations 2026 by garnering 13,772 votes against Hon. Bernard Kipkoech Ng’eno’s 13,358 votes,” Cherargei said.

“To the people of Emurua Dikirr Constituency, you have spoken loudly and clearly on your choice of the upcoming IEBC constituency by-elections. Thank you for maintaining peace and calm during the nominations exercise.”

He also praised the ruling party for conducting a credible process.

“To the UDA Party, well done for the well-coordinated, transparent and efficient nominations exercise,” he added.

Also Read: Revealed: Why Johana Ng’eno’s Widow Has Withdrawn from Emurua Dikir MP Race

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also praised the two candidates and voters, describing the contest as unique.

“Hearty congratulations to David Keter on winning the hotly contested UDA nomination for Emurua Dikirr Constituency. Your patience, persistence, and resilience have finally paid off,” Murkomen said.

“To Bernard Ng’eno, who came a close second, well done for putting up a spirited fight. You have demonstrated great strength and sportsmanship, and you undoubtedly have a bright future ahead.”

Murkomen further commended residents for maintaining peace and high voter turnout.

“This was a truly unique contest, one fought through music and poetry, day and night, in an atmosphere defined by peace and civility. It is a political culture that is not only refreshing but also worth emulating across the country,” he added.

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