By F, KNA
Celebrations rented the air after Reuben Tobosei was declared the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) nominee, for the upcoming Tembelio ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) by-election in Uasin Gishu County.
Tobosei emerged a winner in the hotly contested party primaries held Saturday, after garnering 3,454 votes, trouncing his closest challenger, Nicholas Koech, who secured 970 votes.
Other contestants were Nahashion Kipsiro, who came third with 897 votes, followed by Moses Kiptoo (754), Emmanuel Kiplagat (498), Fred Kirui (448), Grace Jemutai (128), Timothy Chebii (124), and Emmanuel Toroitich, who trailed with 30 votes.
In total, 7,303 out of 15,237 registered voters participated in the UDA nominations in Tembelio Ward.
Speaking after his win, Tobosei thanked the residents for turning-up and entrusting him with their votes.
“I am deeply humbled by the confidence you have placed in me. I pledge to focus on development, ensure equitable distribution of resources and represent both those who voted for me and those who did not,” he said.
He further extended an olive branch to his competitors, promising unity and teamwork for the prosperity of the Ward.
“I will work with all my colleagues who contested in this race, so that together we can deliver for the people of Tembelio,” he added.
Tobosei also lauded the UDA party for adopting a new electronic voting system that replaced ballot papers and boxes, saying it enhanced transparency through fully digital voting and tallying.
Tobosei now heads into the by-election as the frontrunner in a region, where UDA enjoys massive grassroots support.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), in a gazette notice dated August 8, announced that all pending by-elections will be conducted on November 27, 2025, covering six constituencies and 17 wards that have remained vacant for many months.
The Tembelio Ward seat fell vacant after former MCA, Evans Kapkea, resigned to take-up appointment as the Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor, following the resignation of his predecessor, Eng. John Barororot, on August 19, 2024.
