No easy walk for UDA in DP Ruto’s backyard as electorates embrace independent candidates.

As days to the 2022 general elections draw nearer, aspirants who have been cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)are pitching camps in their turfs in a bid to secure victory when the D-day comes.

North rift region, known as DP William Ruto’s strong support base is facing some turbulence as independent candidates give nightmares to their UDA competitors. Majority of the independent candidates are the dejected lot who lost in the UDA primaries that were rocked with allegations of rigging.

In the past, Ruto has been able to convince voters in the region to elect leaders from ward representatives to governors from his party. The narrative seems to be changing, if the sentiments by some political analysts from the region are to be believed.

Despite the incessant calls for “suit” voting pattern, independent candidates seem to have managed to win the hearts of many electorates who have protested the rallying call for leaders from only UDA party to be elected.

Among the key leaders who are likely to secure victory despite vying on independent ticket are Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter and his Kesses counterpart Swarup Mishra. The two enjoy a huge following with political commentators arguing that there is little the DP can do to edge them out.

“It will not be an easy task for UDA aspirants to just win because of the party. I believe that people will vote according to the work delivered. It is high time people vote for individuals and not to the parties,” said Benjamin Letting, a political analyst.

Some locals believe that for developments to be achieved and economic growth in a place there must be a mixture of political parties but others would rather remain the “suit” mantra.

“I think our focus as residents should be on the president rather than others. We should vote in individuals according to what they can offer to the community. We are far much behind in terms of developments because if this thing call voting for the suit and we end up losing a lot of opportunities. We should give other people from different parties chances to vie and elect them according to their credibility,” said Leah Rop, a business woman.