List of Regions Left ‘Leaderless’ Amid IEBC Turmoil
The stalled reconstruction of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has left several regions without proper leadership, as mandated by the constitution.
By-elections for three wards and seven constituencies across various counties have been delayed due to the commission’s inability to function effectively.
A nine-member panel formed to identify candidates for the vacant IEBC positions has been entangled in legal disputes, further stalling the process. These vacancies arose from resignations and dismissals within the commission.
The IEBC’s operations ground to a halt following the resignation of former Chairperson Wafula Chebukati and commissioners Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu, who completed their non-renewable six-year terms.
The situation worsened after the controversial exit of the “Cherera Four,” who were ousted due to disagreements over the 2022 general election results.
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Legal cases filed in Nairobi and Kiambu against the nine panelists — including Andrew Tanui, Adams Oloo, Caroline Kituku, Linda Koome, Fatuma Saman, Nelson Makanda, Evans Misati, Koki Milu, and Bore Chirchir — accuse them of failing to ensure regional representation in the panel’s formation.
As a result, three wards and seven constituencies remain without elected leaders. The IEBC has formally sought advice from the Attorney General on addressing the backlog of pending by-elections.
A letter from the Attorney General’s office to the IEBC highlighted that, without commissioners, the commission cannot issue gazette notices required to conduct by-elections, thereby violating constitutional mandates.
Residents of Banisa, Magarini, and Ugunja constituencies in Mandera, Kilifi, and Siaya counties are among those affected by the delay. Similarly, wards such as Kisa East in Kakamega, Chewana in Tana River, and Nyamai in Nyamira face prolonged leadership voids.
The protracted reconstruction process also casts uncertainty over the 2027 general elections. Initially scheduled for completion by March 2024, the reconstruction remains far from finished.
List of Regions Left ‘Leaderless’ Amid IEBC Turmoil
