High Stakes Race Intensifies for Late MP Johana Ngeno’s Seat as Widow, PA and 10 Others Enter Contest
By News Desk
The race to succeed the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno has taken a dramatic turn, with political alignments shifting and tensions rising ahead of the upcoming by-election scheduled for May 14 by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The by-election, projected to cost taxpayers approximately Sh59 million, will see a total of 12 aspirants battle for control of the constituency, which has 44,447 registered voters across 94 polling stations.
In a significant political development, two candidates—Ezra Sawe and Bernard Rono—have officially withdrawn from the race following a marathon six-hour consultative meeting held at a hotel in Bomet town. The duo, both affiliated with the Narok County Government, have thrown their weight behind Mr Ng’eno, a close ally of the late MP.
Mr Ng’eno is now poised for a fierce showdown in the UDA party nominations slated for March 27.
Among his key rivals are the widow of the late MP, Ms Nayianoi Ng’eno, businessman David Keter, police officer Kibet Rotich, and accountant Joseph Kiprono Koech.
The by-election was triggered by the tragic death of MP Johana Ngeno, who perished in a helicopter crash on February 28 at Chepkiep village in Mosop Constituency, Narok County.
The crash also claimed the lives of five others, including the pilot George Were, photojournalist Nick Kosgei, Kenya Forest Service officer Amos Kipngetich Rotich, teacher Carlos Robert Kibet Keter, and protocol officer Wycliff Kiprotich Rono.
Speaking in Bomet after the consensus meeting, Mr Ng’eno expressed gratitude for the support he received from his former competitors, emphasizing the need for unity among the late MP’s allies.
“We have a huge responsibility to consolidate support and ensure continuity of the development agenda initiated by our late leader,” he said.
He further revealed that the decision to front a single candidate was driven by strong calls from constituents seeking unity and a consolidated political front.
Echoing his sentiments, Mr Sawe stated that stepping down was in the best interest of the constituency.
“The people have spoken. They want a united front, and we believe Mr Ng’eno is best placed to carry forward the legacy of our former MP,” he said.
As campaigns begin to gather momentum, the contest is shaping up to be a high-stakes political showdown, pitting loyalty, legacy, and grassroots influence against emerging alliances and strategic withdrawals.
