NAROK, Kenya — In a notable upset on Thursday, Douglas Twala Masikonde of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) emerged victorious in the by-election for Narok Town ward, defeating the ruling party’s candidate despite significant challenges and expectations that the contest would tilt in favour of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Masikonde secured 6,007 votes, surpassing UDA’s Robert Kanyinke Ole Kudate, who obtained 4,479 votes — a result that analysts say underscores growing voter fatigue with the ruling party in certain localities.
The significance of the win is heightened by the backdrop against which the election was held: many expected UDA, backed by national machinery, to dominate.
But Masikonde’s grassroots campaign, coupled with apparent discontent over local issues, appealed strongly to young and undecided voters.
On behalf of the @DCP_Democracy and our members I offer hearty congratulations to Hon. Douglas Masikonde, Hon. David Warui and Hon. Dickson Okwiri Aduda for winning the Narok Township, Kariobangi North and Kisa East wards respectively.Our party, making the newest kid in the
Observers say the victory reflects a shift in political sentiment in Narok Town, where residents gravitated toward promises of new leadership and delivery-focused representation rather than top-down party endorsements.
The outcome boosts the credibility of DCP, a newer political entity, suggesting that it could play a disruptive role in local politics ahead of larger contests.
For Masikonde, the win marks a personal victory after reportedly overcoming attempts to intimidate voters and alleged interference.
As Masikonde prepares to assume office, political watchers are now closely watching whether the result is an isolated incident or a harbinger of broader realignments, particularly in regions where traditional loyalties are being tested by performance and grassroots engagement rather than party brand alone.
