With IEBC in place, country prepares for mini elections

The country is preparing for a “mini General Election”, with several pending by-elections set to take place following the full constitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

The by-elections will serve as a litmus test for the political influence of President William Ruto, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, Vice Chairperson Fahima Abdallah, and Commissioners Anne Nderitu, Moses Mukhwana, Mary Sorobit, Noor Hassan, and Francis Oduol have a full in-tray as they assume office.

“As I take office as the IEBC Chairperson, my responsibility is to serve Kenyans to the best of my abilities. I would like to assure citizens that their voices will not only be heard but will count as we work towards delivering a free and fair general election,” said Ethekon.

Residents of Baringo County, Banisa, Magarini, Ugunja, Malava, Mbeere North, and Kasipul constituencies, along with 15 wards across the country, will elect their new representatives in the by-elections.

These elections have been necessitated by Cabinet appointments, deaths, and nullification of the election results of some Members of Parliament and several Members of County Assembly.

Residents of Banisa Constituency in Mandera County have been without an MP for over two years following the death of Kullow Hassan in a road accident in March 2023.

Magarini residents in Kilifi County have also lacked representation after the Supreme Court upheld the nullification of Harrison Kombe’s election as MP in May last year.

In Ugunja, Siaya County, residents are looking forward to electing a new MP following the appointment of Opiyo Wandayi as Energy Cabinet Secretary by President Ruto in August last year.

Baringo County will elect a new Senator following the death of William Cheptumo earlier this year. Similarly, residents of Malava in Kakamega County will head to the polls following the death of MP Malulu Injendi.

Mbeere North Constituency in Embu County will seek to replace Geoffrey Ruku, who was appointed Public Service Cabinet Secretary by the President in April. He replaced Justin Muturi who was fired.

Kasipul Constituency will be electing a new MP following the death of Ong’ondo Were, who was shot dead on 30 April in what is suspected to have been a targeted assassination in Nairobi.

Gachagua is expected to use the by-elections as an opportunity to challenge President Ruto politically, following his impeachment by Parliament last year. He is likely to see this as a chance to confront his former boss.

“The coming by-elections will serve as a warning shot to Ruto since he has lost popularity. We are going to ensure that his UDA party does not secure any of the contested seats later this year, which will signal what to expect in 2027,” said the former deputy president.

Senate Chief Whip Boni Khalwale has warned against external interference in determining the next Malava MP, a statement directed at Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet, whom he accused of trying to influence the outcome.

“You have all seen the President’s aide setting up camp in Malava. It is not that he cares about us—they are simply eyeing the Malava seat. We have several leaders interested in the position, and we will support the most suitable candidate,” said Khalwale.

The IEBC has been without commissioners since January 2023, following the exit of chairperson Wafula Chebukati and commissioners Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu after completing their six-year single terms in office.