Kuria: UDA by-election results show Ruto can win without Mt Kenya

Former Presidential advisor Moses Kuria/X

Former Presidential Advisor Moses Kuria has expressed optimism that President William Ruto is set to secure victory in the upcoming General Election without support from the Mount Kenya region.

Kuria said the outcome of three by-elections held across the country on Thursday, May 14, 2026, demonstrated the ruling party’s growing national support.

The United Democratic Alliance won all three contests, a performance Kuria described as a sign of its national strength.

In a post on X, Kuria downplayed the significance of the Mount Kenya vote, which has historically been viewed as an influential voting bloc in national elections because of its electoral strength.

“Dear Mt Kenya. There were 3 by-elections today [May 14], UDA won all three. 100% performance. I will keep reminding you, even if you do not like it. William Ruto will be re-elected without a single Mt Kenya vote,” Kuria posted.

The remarks came after UDA candidates secured victories in Emurua Dikirr Constituency, Endo Ward and Porro Ward.

In Emurua Dikirr Constituency, UDA candidate David Keter was declared the winner after securing 18,266 votes.

He defeated Democracy for Citizens Party candidate Vincent Kibet Rotich, who garnered 10,760 votes.

In Endo Ward, Elgeyo Marakwet County, UDA candidate Festus Korir Kiprop won after receiving 4,475 votes.

His closest challenger, Shadrack Kosgei Chelang’a of the National Development Party, received 752 votes.

According to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, the ward recorded a voter turnout of 36.59 per cent, with 5,260 of the 14,361 registered voters casting ballots.

In Samburu County’s Porro Ward, UDA candidate Daniel Lolngojine won with 2,328 votes.

He defeated Kenya African National Union candidate Josphat Jumani Leleur, who received 1,036 votes.

The ward recorded a voter turnout of 65.96 per cent, with 4,194 voters participating out of 6,358 registered voters.

The three victories have been interpreted by allies of the ruling party as a sign of growing grassroots support ahead of future electoral contests.

Kuria described the results as evidence of UDA’s national strength and suggested that President Ruto does not necessarily rely on traditional regional strongholds to maintain political support.

The outcome in Emurua Dikirr has also been viewed by some observers as an indication of growing support for the Democracy for Citizens Party, given the relatively narrow margin.

UDA officials have meanwhile cited the results as a sign of continued voter confidence in the ruling administration.