Naiyanoi Ng’eno, widow of the late MP Johana Ng’eno, has withdrawn from the UDA nomination race for Emurua Dikirr constituency due to personal reasons and the impact of her husband’s death. The decision was reached last Thursday after family consultations. The move has eased tensions in the UDA campaigns, with colleagues now backing Benard Ng’eno.
Campaigns for the UDA nomination in Emurua Dikirr constituency have calmed after Naiyanoi Ng’eno’s withdrawal. She had family approval two weeks prior but stepped aside due to illness and grief over her husband’s death, as stated by family member Ngetich. “Naiyanoi hatakuwa akigombea kiti hicho cha ubunge, amekuwa akiugua na bado ameathirika sana kwa kumpoteza mumewe. Kutokana na hilo kama familia yake tumeamua tumwepushe na kampeni kali ambazo zinatarajiwa,” Ngetich said. Naiyanoi declined to comment on her future plans. On Saturday, the late Ng’eno’s allies endorsed his personal aide, Benard Ng’eno, as their candidate. He will now compete against businessman David Keter, police officer Kibet Rotich, and accountant Joseph Kiprono Koech. UDA has assured a free and fair selection process. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) set May 14 as the by-election date for the area with 44,447 registered voters across 94 polling stations at a projected cost of Sh59 million. Elkerin ward representative Ezekiel Korir announced support for David Keter, who lost to Ng’eno in the previous two elections. “Nina wingu la matumaini kuwa wakazi wa Emurua Dikirr watanichagua ili nikamilishe miradi ya maendeleo ambayo ilianzishwa na pia nianzishe miradi mipya,” Keter said.
