UDA, Opposition brace for fierce battle in Narok and Baringo polls

The upcoming November 27 by-elections in Baringo and Narok counties are expected to be a heated contest between President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the United Opposition.

In Narok, County Governor Patrick Ntutu, a key ally of President Ruto, has been orchestrating a plan to have a rival in the Narok town ward by-election to step down in favour of the UDA candidate, Robert Kanyinke.

But his latest attempt to have the Jubilee party candidate Joshua Kitaro ole Kaputah step down in favour of Kanyinke backfired after Kaputah made a hasty retreat.

Kaputah, who had reportedly been persuaded by local elders to step aside, dismissed claims that he had withdrawn from the contest.

His declaration not only upends a fragile political alliance engineered to consolidate UDA support but also exposes cracks in Ntutu’s ability to manage local politics and maintain control over his coalition.

“I have not withdrawn from the contest. Any agreement sent to my home two days ago has been thrown out,” Kaputah declared on Thursday.

“According to our traditions, I was not initially allowed to speak about the matter, but I now wish to make it clear that I am still a candidate.”

The drama underscores the high stakes in what was initially expected to be a straightforward by-election triggered by the death of Lucas Ntalamea Kudate, the late Narok Town MCA.

Kaputah’s about-turn comes just two days after a meeting at his Ololtoto home, where elders from the Ilkitoip age set, emissaries linked to Ntutu, and community leaders reportedly convince him to step aside for the sake of continuity and local peace.

Kaputah’s defiance disrupts a wider strategy that had already seen four other candidates bow out of the race to support Kanyinke with alleged promises of work and monetary benefits amounting to millions.

Hezron Koori, a businessman and community mobiliser, Joseph Kamau, an independent candidate, James Lemein of Kanu, and Zarah Kudate, a Jubilee party member and wife of the late MCA, had all withdrawn, citing community unity, elders’ mediation, and the need to honour the legacy of Kudate.

“Supporting his son is a way to honour that legacy and maintain stability. We don’t want to divide the community at a time when we need to work together for development,” said Koori.

“Ntutu asked us to put the community first. I believe joining hands behind one candidate will help Narok town attract more government projects under the Kenya Kwanza plan,” Kamau added.

On his part, Lemein explained, “I may belong to a different party, but I cannot go against the will of our elders. Their message was clear —stand with Bulldozer Junior for the unity of Narok Town.”

“I joined the race to keep our family’s vision alive, but since Robert is stepping in to continue with my husband’s work, it is only right that I support my son. Politics should not divide a family or a community,” said Zarah.

By contrast, Kaputah’s rejection of the unity deal signals a potential fracture in Ntutu’s consolidation strategy, leaving the ruling coalition (UDA) vulnerable to unexpected competition in a race that could have been an uncontested victory for UDA.

Observers say the Narok Town by-election has rapidly evolved into a referendum on Ntutu’s political influence and his capacity to crack the whip within UDA ranks.

Ntutu, widely credited for engineering local political alliances, has personally rallied senior officials, including Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, to campaign for Kanyinke.

“I will do whatever it takes to ensure our candidate carries the day. UDA must remain the party of unity and development,” Ntutu said during a rally in Ilkuruman village, Ewuaso Ng’iro.

In Baringo County, the senatorial by-election that was occasioned by the death of William Cheptumo is not just a political contest but a litmus test for UDA’s grip on the region.

However, for voters in the county, the focus remains on electing a leader capable of championing development, enhancing security, and uniting communities in a region often marred by incidents of cattle rustling and underdevelopment.

After Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi dropped out of the race, the contest has largely been left to six candidates.

The Candidates are Kiprono Cheburet of UDA, Steve David Kipruto (RLP), Daniel Kipchirchir Kirui (UMP), Shadrack Kaplawat (ARK), Benjamin Chebon (The New Democracts), and Samuel Letasio (KMM).

The campaigns have been low-keyed compared to the fiery UDA nominations period; the race has now tightened sharply.

What started as a broad field is increasingly shaping into a head-to-head duel among the most visible contenders, with the rest scrambling to stay relevant in the final days

Kiprono Cheburet, who clinched the UDA ticket after a bruising nomination battle, has been traversing the county thanking his supporters and urging them to do the same on the November 27 by-election.

‘‘Thank you for reaffirming your commitment to sound legislation, prudent utilisation of county resources and firm people-centred oversight, as we head into the by-election. Appeal for your continued confidence,” said Cheburet during his recent campaign at Tiriondonin, in Baringo North

He also used tours in Chemoinoi and Emining to portray his candidature as a steady hand capable of guiding Baringo’s oversight role in a period of growing public frustration with stalled projects, water shortages and strained health systems in the county.

But despite riding on the ruling party’s strong support in the region, Cheburet is not walking into an easy victory. His campaign has increasingly been challenged by youthful candidates determined to break UDA’s dominance.