NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has congratulated the winners of Thursday’s by-elections, hailing their victories as a testament to the strength of national unity and the democratic process.
In a statement, Ruto praised both UDA and ODM candidates for their performance at the polls.
“Congratulations, David Ndakwa (Malava), Leonard Wamuthende (Mbeere North), Ahmed Maalim Hassan (Banisa), Vincent Chemitei (Baringo), Moses Omondi (Ugunja), Harrison Kombe (Magarini), and Boyd Were (Kasipul) for your deserved win!” the President said. “Your victory is a powerful reminder to us that we are bigger and better as a country when we are united.”
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki emphasised that the newly elected leaders now carry the mandate to lead their communities.
“After gruelling and incredibly intense campaigns, the newly elected Senator for Baringo County, the Members of National Assembly for Mbeere North, Malava, Banisa, Magarini, Kasipul and Ugunja, as well as the various electoral wards, have the mandate of the people to lead,” he said.
Kindiki urged all leaders, including those who did not win, to continue contributing ideas to shape Kenya’s future.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen commended residents in the constituencies for upholding peace and order during the polls, noting isolated incidents of violence that are under investigation.
“Security agencies have already swung into action, and all perpetrators and their sponsors will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said.
In Malava, David Ndakwa emerged victorious with 21,564 votes, narrowly defeating DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako, who received 20,210 votes. Ndakwa, taking over following the death of former MP Malulu Injendi, pledged to prioritise the completion of ongoing development projects before embarking on new initiatives.
“I will ensure that all the developments started are completed first before launching new ones,” he assured residents.
Leonard Wamuthende won the Mbeere North parliamentary seat with 15,802 votes, edging out Newton Kariuki Ndwiga (15,308 votes).
Wamuthende pledged to serve the entire constituency without discrimination, promising to honour campaign commitments including bursaries, free day-school secondary education, and infrastructural projects.
In Banissa, Ahmed Maalim Hassan claimed victory, with UDA highlighting the electorate’s trust and confidence in his leadership. Boyd Were secured the Kasipul seat with 16,819 votes, defeating Philip Aroko (8,476 votes). The by-election followed the assassination of the former MP Ong’ondo Were earlier this year.
Election officials reported that polling was largely peaceful across constituencies, with only minor delays at some centres. Counting continued overnight before the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) confirmed the outcomes.
