President William Ruto has congratulated the winners of Thursday’s by-elections, saying their victories reflect the strength of national unity.
In a statement, Ruto praised a number of newly elected leaders, allied to the UDA and ODM parties, for their performance at the polls.
“Congratulations, David Ndakwa (Malava), Leonard Wamuthende (Mbeere North), Ahmed Maalim Hassan (Banisa), Vincent Chemitei (Baringo), Moses Omondi (Ugunja), Harrison Kombe (Magarini), and Boyd Were (Kasipul) for your deserved win!” he said.
Ruto said the outcome showed the country is stronger when citizens choose unity.
“Your victory is a powerful reminder to us that we are bigger and better as a country when we are united,” he said.
On his part, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki noted that the newly elected leaders now have a mandate to lead.
"After gruelling and incredibly intense campaigns, the newly elected Senator for Baringo County, the Members of National Assembly for Mbeere North, Malava, Banisa, Magarini, Kasipul and Ugunja, as well as the various electoral wards, have the mandate of the people to lead," he said.
He stated that the winners now assume the crucial role of rallying communities to unite for the collective good and heavy lifting to expedite the development agenda of their respective constituents.
"To those who did not win, you are still leaders in your own right, and your ideas and input are still required in shaping the future of our country," Kindiki added.
On his part, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen commended Kenyans in the areas where the by-elections were conducted for upholding peace and order throughout the electoral process.
"Your cooperation with security agencies and respect for the rule of law reflect our collective commitment to democracy and national stability," he said.
He noted that they have, however, taken note of isolated incidents of violence perpetrated by political goons.
The CS said security agencies have already swung into action, and all the perpetrators and their sponsors will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the law.
In the just-concluded by-election, Ndakwa was declared the winner by Returning Officer Salim Abdala after garnering 21,564 votes against DAP-K’s Seth Panyako, who received 20,210 votes.
Wilberforce Tuvei of Kenya Moja Movement managed 626 votes, Shivakale Jason of 390 votes, James Angatia 243, Ben Nalwa 215, Edgar Busiega (DCP) 209, George Ngaira 148 and Joab Manyasi 70 votes.
The by-election was occasioned by the death of the then area MP, Malulu Injendi, early in the year.
Ndakwa vowed to prioritise and complete all development projects initiated by the late Malulu Injendi before embarking on new ones.
He assured the residents that continuity will be his guiding principle as he takes office and that his responsibility will be to safeguard Malulu’s legacy.
“I will ensure that all the developments started are completed first before launching new ones,” he assured residents after receiving his certificate.
Wamuthende secured 15,802 votes, edging out his nearest rival, Newton Kariuki (also known as Newton Karish), who garnered 15,308 votes.
He assured that he will serve the entire constituency without discrimination.
“I have made a commitment not only to those who elected me but to all residents of Mbeere North. I will be there," he said.
“Whichever choice they made, I am now the MP. I will discharge my duty without any discrimination."
He pledged to honour all campaign promises.
“I remember mentioning fair distribution of bursary, free secondary education for day scholars and infrastructural development,” he said.
“I remain committed to serving the people of Mbeere North.”
UDA celebrated Hassan, saying his victory is "a clear affirmation of the trust and confidence the people of Banissa have placed in your leadership".
" We are confident that your leadership will champion meaningful development, unity, and accountable service delivery for the people of Banissa Constituency, in line with the UDA Party’s commitment to transformative governance," it said.
Were garnered 16,819 votes against closest rival Philip Aroko’s 8,476.
The Kasipul by-election was called following the killing of Ong’ondo Were earlier this year in Nairobi, an incident police have described as an assassination.
His death sparked shock across the constituency, with many residents linking Thursday’s vote to a broader sense of loss and transition.
Election officials reported that polling went on peacefully in most centres, with only minor delays in a few stations. Counting continued through the night before the IEBC confirmed the outcome
