United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate in the upcoming Emurua Dikirr by-election, David Keter, has extended an olive branch to supporters of Bernard Ngeno, who ran against him in the party nominations, urging them to back his bid.
Keter, who spoke after presenting his nomination papers to the IEBC, said he needs support from all voters to secure victory in the May 14 poll.
“I have reached out to everyone, including supporters of my opponents in the recent UDA nominations, to join and support me so that I can secure a landslide victory,” Keter told the press moments after being cleared by the IEBC.
He said he is targeting at least 30,000 votes and emphasized his willingness to work with all stakeholders, assuring them that he is ready to bring everyone on board.
Keter’s remarks come in the wake of calls by Bernard Ngeno, who narrowly lost in the UDA nominations, urging his supporters to keep off the by-election.
Ngeno, who protested the nomination results, claimed the process was rigged and called for a boycott as a form of protest.
“Let us keep off this by-election and show them that we cannot be fooled into voting when our vote cannot be respected,” Ngeno urged his supporters.
However, Keter has called for an end to internal party divisions, saying the focus should now shift to uniting residents and electing a leader who will deliver development.
“I want to ensure the people of Emurua Dikirr are united, and that is why I am extending an olive branch to everyone to join me as we head to the by-election,” he added.
Keter is among four candidates cleared by the IEBC to vie in the by-election. Others are Vincent Kibet (DCP), Bamaris Cherotich (PNU), and Wakili Gideon Koech.
