The political temperature in Emurua Dikirr has reached a boiling point following the high-profile endorsement of Democracy for Citizens (DCP) candidate Vincent Rotich by former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter.
The outspoken former legislator is set to lead a "homestretch" campaign rally at Chagina Grounds today, just three days before the high-stakes by-election scheduled for Thursday, May 14, 2026.
Keter’s entry into the fray is seen as a strategic move to bolster the DCP’s growing momentum in a constituency that was long held by the late Johanna Ngeno.
The DCP candidate, Vincent Rotich, has adopted a localized campaign strategy, holding intensive meetings at polling station centers, a tactic that has reportedly drawn massive crowds and unsettled the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) camp.V
UDA, which has fronted David Keter (alias “Dollarline”), has also ramped up its efforts to secure the seat.
The ruling party has deployed Nayianoi Ntutu, the widow of the late Johanna Ngeno, to campaign for Dollarline.
In a series of emotionally charged rallies, Nayianoi expressed her frustration with the constituency’s shift toward the DCP, while also hitting out at DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua.
She accused Gachagua of insensitivity, alleging that he announced her husband’s death during a political rally before the family was formally briefed.
Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot downplayed the DCP’s massive turnouts, characterizing Emurua Dikirr as a region historically prone to "firebrand" and "rowdy" politics.
"These are people who are used to that kind of politics... even in the times of the late MP, it was always a close margin," Cheruiyot remarked, suggesting that the DCP’s popularity is a reflection of local political culture rather than a shift in national alignment.
Meanwhile, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has been actively campaigning remotely through phone calls to local residents, urging them to support Rotich while calling for an investigation into the circumstances of Johanna Ngeno’s death.
Gachagua is expected to visit the region soon to pay his respects to the late MP’s mother at her Mogondo home.
With the DCP enjoying a "strong showing" and the UDA fighting to maintain its grip on the South Rift, the Thursday mini-poll is shaping up to be a definitive test of Gachagua’s growing influence against the established UDA machinery.
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