UDA aspirant decries voter bribery in Baringo senatorial nomination after defeat
By Diaz Kiplele, September 22, 2025Wycliffe Kipsang Tobole has officially conceded defeat in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) senatorial nominations in Baringo, nearly 72 hours after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared the results.
His silence had sparked speculation, but on Monday, 22 September 2025, he broke it with a statement that acknowledged the outcome while casting doubt on the integrity of the exercise.
Tobole, who secured 30,897 votes to emerge second, claimed that the nominations were marred by massive voter bribery both on the eve of the primaries and on election day. He said that external forces infiltrated the process, undermining the will of the electorate and tilting the contest in favour of his rival.
“Unlike some of my competitors, I had no political godfather to shield me. I chose to run on principle and to give the people of Baringo a genuine choice,” Tobole declared.
He urged the party leadership to address loopholes that he said threaten its internal democracy.
While expressing gratitude to UDA for giving him a platform, Tobole also thanked his supporters across the county.
“I appreciate everyone who walked with me in this journey. I will chart the way forward and announce my next political move at the right time,” he said.
Extend olive branch
Despite his concerns, Tobole extended an olive branch to Vincent Kiprono Chemitei, who garnered 48,791 votes to clinch the party ticket.
Chemitei’s camp swiftly dismissed Tobole’s claims. His campaign manager, Samuel Kibet, said the primaries were fair and transparent.
“Baringo residents came out in large numbers and voted peacefully. The victory was clear, and the numbers speak for themselves,” he stated.
Kibet added that the use of electronic voting enhanced accountability and was conducted under the watch of both the UDA electoral board and IEBC.
Chemitei, who has already rolled out grassroots mobilisation, urged party unity.
“My focus now is to consolidate support and serve all Baringo residents with inclusivity and development,” he affirmed.
The Baringo primaries, conducted electronically for the first time, had been hailed as historic. But Tobole’s concerns now cast a shadow over what was expected to be a model for internal party democracy.