Uasin Gishu: UDA’s Reuben Kigen topples opponents to win Tembelio primaries
By K24 Digital Reporter, September 21, 2025There was a dance and celebration at the Eldoret Teachers’ Advisory Centre (TAC) in Uasin Gishu County after Reuben Kigen Tobosei was declared the winner of the Tembelio ward United Democratic Alliance (UDA) primaries held on Saturday, September 20, 2025.
Kigen was declared the winner after garnering 3,454 votes. Nicholas Koech came second with 970 votes, and Nahashon Kipsiro came third with 897 votes.
Others who got less than 800 votes in the hotly contested nomination are Moses Chemaiyo (748), Emmanuel Kipalagat (498), Grace Jemutai and Timothy Chebii, both garnered 127 votes, while Emmanuel Toroitich came last with 25 votes.
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Acceptance speech
In his acceptance speech, Kigen appreciated the ruling party for using the electronic voting system, arguing that it gives error-free results, thus ensuring transparency in the nominations.
“UDA has shown that it is possible to have free, fair and transparent nominations. As a member, I am very proud that the will of the people of Tembelio ward was reflected and respected in our party primaries,” Kigen said.
He called on his competitors to rally behind his candidature for him to win the November 27, 2025, by-elections.
Conceding defeat
Some aspirants have conceded defeat and congratulated Kigen.
“Congratulations to Reuben Tobosei for clinching the UDA primaries in Tembelio Ward. I also extend my appreciation to all the aspirants for conducting peaceful campaigns and to the UDA fraternity for ensuring a free, fair, and transparent nomination process,” Lelmet said.
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Nine candidates were contesting for the UDA ticket in Tembelio ward, which has a total of 15,237 registered voters according to the 2022 Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The seat fell vacant after Evans Kipruto Kapkea, who was elected in the 2022 general elections as the area Member of County Assembly (MCA) was appointed the third Deputy Governor of Uasin Gishu County Government following the resignation of John Barorot in October 2024.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Chelilim Bii extended his message of goodwill to the UDA candidate.
“Congratulations to Reuben Tobosei on winning the UDA primaries in Tembelio Ward. I also commend all the aspirants for a competitive contest that has strengthened our democracy,” Bii stated.