Nandi Hills Member of Parliament Alfred Keter has launched a legal and political challenge against the United Democratic Alliance's (UDA) decision to endorse Bernard Kitur as its candidate for the 2022 parliamentary election. Keter, who previously won UDA primaries in 2022, claims the process was manipulated, leading him to resign from the party and run as an independent. The dispute stems from a contentious nomination process where Keter received 10,273 votes compared to Kitur’s 7,468, but the party’s tribunal later invalidated the results amid allegations of voter bribery and intimidation.
Keter accused UDA leaders of predetermined outcomes, stating, "My fate was predetermined from the onset, and those involved made their intentions public prior to the nomination." He faces opposition from top UDA figures, including Deputy President William Ruto, who had previously clashed with Keter over criticism of Ruto’s presidential bid. Despite this, Keter later aligned with Ruto, claiming support for the DP’s leadership.
UDA legislators have accused Keter of undermining party unity, with Rigathi Gachagua, Ruto’s running mate, urging voters to back UDA candidates. Kitur, meanwhile, positioned himself as the party’s choice, vowing to advance regional development projects. The legal battle over Keter’s 2018 election victory, which was initially annulled by a court but later reinstated, highlights the contentious history between the two rivals.
Keter’s 2017 election against Kitur as a Jubilee Party candidate and the 2018 court rulings remain central to the current campaign. The MP, born in Ollessos village, Nandi County, has repeatedly faced scrutiny over electoral conduct, with allegations of irregularities resurfacing in 2022.
