• Counting and tallying of votes was going on smoothly in all areas. Preliminary counts indicated UDA candidates had taken a clear lead against the independents.
• Voters appeared to have largely headed the call by DP Ruto to reject the independents running against his UDA allies.
Image: MATHEWS NDANYI
Independent candidates in Deputy President William Ruto’s North Rift backyard appeared headed for defeat by UDA contenders.
United Democratic Alliance candidates have taken a clear lead over virtually all independents, according to preliminary results as counting continues. Only the IEBC can announce final results.
Voters appeared to have largely heeded the call by DP Ruto to reject the independent candidates running against his UDA allies.
In Nandi, preliminary figures from polling stations indicated Governor Stephen Sang was ahead of his rival, independent candidate Dr Cleophas Lagat.
Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter was also losing to his close challenger Benard Kitur. With more than 60 per cent of the votes counted, Keter garnered about 13,000 votes, while Kitur was ahead with more than 18,000 votes.
Other independent candidates, including outgoing MPs Vincent Tuwei (Mosop) and Cornelly Serem (Aldai), were trailing their UDA rivals.
In Uasin Gishu, UDA governor candidate Jonathan Bii, also known as Koti Moja, had garnered more than 78,000 votes, while rival Bundotich Kiprop Buzeki was trailing with fewer than 40,000 votes.
“Seems voters favoured UDA in most areas and it’s because DP Ruto enjoys massive support in this region and his word can be taken to the to the bank when it comes to politics," youth leader Joseph Chumba said.
He said politicians going against the Ruto grain had little chance of success.
Earlier, UDA candidates had worried about being swamped by a possible independents' wave.
In Kesses constituency, MP Swarup Mishra was also losing to UDA candidate Julius Ruto. Dr Mishra, an independent, has spent massive resources in the constituency and has been liked and appreciated, but Ruto urged voters to reject him, too.
The DP had accused independents of backstabbing him.
“Please vote six-piece for UDA so we will be able to form a strong government right from county assemblies to the national level. Do not entertain the so-called independent candidates," Ruto said at every campaign rally and meeting.
In Moiben constituency, MP Silas Tiren, who was also defending his seat as an independent, was trailing UDA’s Professor Phyllis Bartoo.
In the Senate race in Uasin Gishu, outgoing Governor Jackson Mandago was well ahead of independent Robert Kemei.
In Elgeyo Marakwet, the race was tight for three seats among independents and UDA men.
In Marakwet West, MP William Kisang was facing a tough challenge, while in Keiyo North MP Dr James Murgor was also in a tight race.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi was poised for reelection as preliminary results from polling stations indicated his closet rival Frank Murgor was trailing.
IEBC returning officer for Uasin Gishu Irene Mutai said they were hoping to have final tallies in good time and said counting and tallying was going on well in most areas.
(Edited by V. Graham)