Tension rises as Narok by-election enters final stretch

Narok governor Patrick Ole Ntutu addressing a meeting in a past function. [George Sayagie, Standard]

With just 72 hours to the November 27 Narok Town Ward by-election, the contest has sharpened into a high-stakes political confrontation, as major formations make an aggressive final push to secure their support bases.

Triggered by the death of former MCA Lucas Kudate, the race has effectively crystalized into a two-horse duel between UDA’s Kanyinke Kudate and DCP’s Douglas Masikonte, even as Jubilee’s Joshua Kaputa remains in the field. The symbolism of the seat — and its implications for political re-alignments ahead of 2027 — has drawn unusually intense mobilisation from both sides.

The ruling coalition has mounted one of its most extensive grassroots offensives in recent months, underscoring how strategically important the seat has become.

On Thursday, Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu led an influential entourage — including former Governor Samuel Tunai, MPs Gabriel Tongoyo (Narok West), Kitilai Ntutu (Narok South), Agnes Pareyio (Narok North), and Woman Representative Rebecca Tonkei — in a high-energy rally held at the Kudate family home.

Their message was unified: Narok Town should “wipe the tears” of the late MCA’s family by electing his son, Kanyinke Kudate, as the continuity candidate.

“Let’s vote in Kanyinke to continue with his father’s development legacy for the remaining period, and pick from where he left,” said Governor Ntutu.

Former governor Tunai added; “We have put aside all our political differences for the sake of the party. Let’s vote in Kanyinke to honor the Kenya Kwanza government and what it is doing for our people in Narok.”

Campaign stops across Olooltoto, Oleleshwa, and Narok Town have taken the form of coordinated, full-day blitzes — a deliberate strategy to project dominance and overwhelm rival formations. Analysts note that UDA is framing the race as both a loyalty test and a reaffirmation of its grassroots strength in the region.

Across Narok Town, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a counter-mobilization under his new outfit, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). His entry has significantly energized the Masikonte camp, despite heightened police presence and reported attempts to restrict his movement.

Attempts to block Gachagua from entering Narok Town sparked tension, culminating in police firing teargas at protesters at the historic Rungu ya Moi spot — a location long associated with symbolic political messaging.

Gachagua’s Thursday rallies pulled sizeable crowds, signaling that DCP is successfully tapping into voter fatigue, anti-establishment sentiment, and frustrations with UDA’s internal dynamics.

He framed the by-election as a clash between people-driven politics and state-backed imposition:

“This government of Ruto fears me. It has mobilized thousands of police officers to block me from entering Narok. Have I entered or not? A few goons cannot stop the will of the people.”

He went further to accuse President Ruto and Governor Ntutu of attempting to stop his entry into the town, arguing that: “The chaos created by the government only gives our candidate an upper hand.”

With the clock ticking, the Narok Town race sits at the intersection of clan identity, development expectations, and political signaling:

UDA is leaning heavily on the Kudate family legacy, continuity messaging, and the influence of national and county power structures.

DCP is positioning itself as the insurgent alternative, appealing to disenchanted voters and capitalizing on shifting political allegiances.

Both formations have fielded powerful delegations, reflecting the broader stakes: the mini-poll is emerging as an early referendum on political momentum and influence heading toward the 2027 General Election.

Political analysts argue that the final 72 hours will be pivotal. The winner will likely be determined by; turnout mobilization, especially among undecided voters, last-minute clan negotiations, message discipline and ground coordination, management of tension and security incidents, which could influence voter sentiment

UDA enters the home stretch with structural advantages and incumbency. DCP, however, is driving an emotionally charged, anti-establishment wave that could alter traditional voting patterns if turnout favors its base.

As the race enters its final phase, Narok Town is bracing for an intense, tightly contested finish — one that may reshape the political calculus of the county and signal broader trends for the nation as 2027 approaches.