The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirant Bernard Ng’eno turned heads with an unconventional strategy, branding his campaign around the colour blue, a hue traditionally associated with the opposition.
Ngeno’s supporters call him ‘Buluu,’ from the word Blue, and he has chosen the colour as his campaign symbol. This is both a symbolic and strategic move in a region that has long been seen as a UDA stronghold.
Blue became the main colour at his rallies, on his posters, and in his grassroots mobilisation efforts after the sudden death of the former Member of Parliament Johana Ng’eno.
Ng’eno’s sudden death in February led to the by-election, which not only created a leadership gap but also disrupted a carefully constructed political network in the constituency.
Why blue
The growing popularity of blue-themed campaigns in Emurua Dikirr’s by-election has sparked curiosity among voters, many of whom are asking questions: who is Benard Ng’eno araap Buluu, and what does ‘Buluu’ mean?
According to renowned Kalenjin philanthropist Olchore Araap Chepkulei, ‘Buluu’ carries deep cultural and historical roots within the Kipsigis community.
The name is a localised adaptation of the English word ‘blue’, originally used as a nickname by Ng’eno’s late father. Over time, it evolved into a family identifier, with AraapBuluu translating to ‘son of Buluu’.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirant Bernard Ngeno
“In the Emurua Dikirr by-election, people often ask about Benard Ng’eno Araap Buluu. Where does Buluu come from? It’s a local twist on the English word ‘Blue’, a nickname his late father carried.
“Among the Kipsigis, Buluu is linked to the last Nyongi age set—the generation that signed land treaties with blue thumbprints.
It’s likely that Benard Ng’eno’s father was named after an ancestor from that Nyongi generation, passing the name down as a family identifier: araap Buluu = son of Buluu,” Araap Chepkulei explained.
People who supported Ngeno in the constituency during the campaigns were seen carrying blue bags and wearing clothes with blue branding.
Chepkulei said the colour is a simple, recognisable symbol that people in the area can relate to and that it represents his family history.
“That’s why his supporters carry blue bags—not a measure of votes, but a simple political and cultural branding that’s easy to spot,” Araap Chepkulei said.
Emurua Dikirr elections
UDA is currently on Friday, March 27, 2026, holding its nominations with at least six candidates battling for the party ticket to succeed former MP Johana Ng’eno, who died in a helicopter crash on February 28, 2026, at Chepkiyeb village in Mosop, Nandi County.
Also killed in the crash were pilot George Were, photojournalist Nick Kosgei, Kenya Forest Service officer Amos Kipngetich Rotich, teacher Carlos Robert Kibet Keter and Narok county protocol officer Wycliff Kiprotich Rono.
Front runners include Bernard Ngeno alias Arap Buluu, a former personal assistant to the late MP and businessman David Keter alias Dolarline.
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