In a statement released on her social media pages on Sunday, the party leader Hon. Kawira Mwangaza confirmed that its candidate, Hon. Daniel Kipchirchir Kirui, resurfaced nearly 24 hours after going missing under what it described as “deeply suspicious circumstances.”
Kirui reportedly told party officials that he and other candidates were held incommunicado at an undisclosed location, where they were “subjected to intimidation, harassment, and bribery attempts.”
According to UMP, the alleged goal was to pressure them into signing withdrawal forms from the race.
“We can confirm that all other candidates have since withdrawn,” the former Meru Governor said Ina statement. “But Hon. Kirui refused to bow to threats and remains committed to the people of Baringo.”
A screenshot of Kawira Mwangaza statement on Facebook
UMP Party Leader condemned the incident as “a direct and violent assault on democracy,” saying the party would not be silenced or intimidated.
“This is no longer politics as usual,” the UMP leader said. “It is a deliberate attempt to subvert the will of the people through fear and coercion.”
Kirui, meanwhile, vowed to continue his campaign despite what he called “traumatizing attempts to destroy my candidacy.”
Authorities have not yet commented on the allegations. However, the UMP has called for an immediate investigation, urging law enforcement to protect candidates and ensure that the Baringo by-election proceeds fairly and peacefully.
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