Ex-CS Keter concedes defeat after losing Kericho UDA governor nominations

Former Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter has conceded defeat after Dr. Erick Mutai was declared the winner and handed the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ticket for the Kericho governor’s race.

Dr. Mutai won the Deputy President William Ruto-led party primaries after amassing a staggering 126,038 votes against Keter’s 60,342 votes.

In a rare move yet to be witnessed in other regions where most presumed nomination losers have contested the exercise, Keter on Saturday took to social media to laud the process and appreciate his supporters as he applauded Dr. Mutai for his victory.

“I thank the great people of Kericho for turning up to vote peacefully in the just concluded nominations exercise. Congratulations to all winners I wish them all the best,” Keter wrote on Twitter.

“To all my supporters, agents and teams, I convey my appreciation and gratitude for your support. God bless you and God bless Kericho. Happy Easter!!”

Dr. Mutai has, since being declared winner, called upon his competitors to team up in support of his bid as well as the presidential ambitions of party leader William Ruto.

"For those of us who lost this election, all is not lost, you fought hard for this election. We know you spent your resources. I swear, where it is possible, we will accommodate you in the next government and where it will not possible we will negotiate with the national government to see some of us also have some space," he said.