The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has begun preparations for upcoming by-elections in various parts of the country.
Speaking on Saturday, July 19, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon stated that the commission was prioritising the by-elections to ensure that citizens in affected areas regain representation as soon as possible.
“This is our first priority, given the fact that the people in those affected areas must have their elected representatives within the shortest time possible,” Ethekon said.
Currently, twenty-three elective positions remain vacant, including one Senate seat, six National Assembly seats, and sixteen Member of County Assembly (MCA) seats.
Ethekon noted that the writs previously declaring the seven parliamentary and Senate seats vacant had expired, and fresh writs must be issued before the commission can proceed.
“In the case of the by-elections to the National Assembly and Senate, the Speakers of the respective Houses are expected to issue new writs. We will discuss this matter with them, and once the writs are received, IEBC will move swiftly to conduct the by-elections,” he added.
The commission has also been engaging with Parliament and the National Treasury to secure the necessary funding for the polls.
“We assure citizens in those areas that the Commission is committed to ensuring their right of representation is realised in the shortest time possible. We shall update the country on the anticipated details, including timelines,” said Ethekon.
Among the vacant positions is the Banisa constituency seat, unfilled since March 2023 following the death of MP Kullow Hassan Aden in a road accident. In Magarini, the seat became vacant after the Supreme Court nullified the election of MP Harrison Kombe.
Other pending by-elections include Malava, where MP Malulu Injendi died, and Kasipul, whose legislator Charles Were was assassinated.
The Baringo Senate seat is also vacant following the passing of Senator William Cheptumo, while the Mbeere North and Ugunja parliamentary seats fell vacant after Geoffrey Ruku and Opiyo Wandayi were appointed to the Cabinet.
