Editor's Review

Mutai was initially a charcoal seller based in Nakuru city

Even as the dust settles on the just concluded UDA party primaries across the 36 counties, a section of UDA party bigwigs are still nursing injuries after they were defeated by the little-known hustlers from various counties.

Among the bigwigs who suffered in the hands of the little-known upcoming hustlers include Kuresoi North MP Moses Cheboi, who is also the National Assembly Deputy Speaker.

Cheboi's loss sent political shockwaves across the country after he was defeated by one Alfred Mutai, a former charcoal seller who overcame all the odds to clinch the UDA party nomination ticket.


Prior to the 2017 elections, Mutai Alfred according to reports, was a charcoal seller in Nakuru town. However, after showing a lot of aggressiveness in politics, the Kuresoi North MP Cheboi sponsored him (Mutai) to run for the Sirikiwa Ward rep seat (MCA) where he won.

In 5 years, the MCA grew muscles and on Thursday, April 14, Mutai tried his luck on his mentor's seat. It was not until Friday, April 15, that results showed Mutai had defeated Cheboi to clinch the UDA ticket for the Kuresoi North Parliamentary race.

Mutai scored 17,247 votes against the incumbent MP Moses Cheboi, popularly known as Toreet (Warthog) who managed 12,454 votes. Cheboi is termed a political veteran, and he was seeking his 4th term in the national assembly.

{UDA Party nominee for Kuresoi South constituency Alfred Mutai. Photo: Courtesy}

Speaking after his hard-earned victory, the former charcoal dealer thanked voters for believing in him despite his contestant having a big name in the country.

Mutai encouraged the Kenyan youth from humble backgrounds to pursue their dreams and never give up, saying that losing his parents at a tender age encouraged him to be a responsible being.

"It was tough but I thank the people of Kuresoi for believing in me. We will work together towards a better Kuresoi North. I urge you all to vote me in on August 9," stated Mutai.

Mutai was competing with a total of four aspirants for the UDA party ticket.