IEBC Successfully Concludes Six By-Elections Across Kenya After Leadership Vacancies**
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has successfully conducted six by-elections across the country, reaffirming its capacity to manage electoral transitions following leadership changes and unforeseen candidate vacancies. The polls, held on 8 December 2022, included the high-profile Bungoma senatorial contest and five County Assembly Ward (CAW) by-elections in Nairobi, Kakamega, Siaya, Narok, and Kitui counties. The Bungoma Senate seat fell vacant after Moses Wetang’ula resigned to take up his new role as Speaker of the National Assembly, while the ward races were previously postponed following the deaths of candidates cleared ahead of the August 2022 General Election.
In Bungoma, Ford Kenya’s David Wakoli Wafula emerged victorious, securing 66,032 votes to become the region’s new Senator and succeeding Wetang’ula. His victory was among several decisive outcomes across the wards where voters turned out to fill long-pending vacancies in their local assemblies. In Utawala Ward (Nairobi), Patrick Karani of the Jubilee Party clinched the seat with 1,109 votes, while Mumias North (Kakamega County) elected Yassin Muchelule of KANU following his 1,525-vote win. Narok’s Ololmasani Ward delivered a strong mandate to UDA candidate Samuel Towett, who garnered 5,819 votes. In Siaya County’s South Gem Ward, Independent candidate Brian Obiero secured 3,469 votes, demonstrating continued voter openness to non-party contenders. Meanwhile, in Kitui County’s Kyome/Thaana Ward, Wiper Party’s Musyimi Makwayu triumphed with 2,365 votes.
The successful conclusion of the by-elections has been widely viewed as a stabilizing step for devolved governance, ensuring that legislative and development functions proceed without interruption in the affected regions. The IEBC’s smooth coordination, timely release of results, and minimal disruptions contributed to renewed confidence in the electoral process. With new leaders now in place, attention shifts to how quickly they will integrate into county assemblies and address long-awaited local concerns, including service delivery, stalled development projects, and enhanced public participation. As the newly elected officials assume office, stakeholders expect them to uphold the democratic mandate entrusted to them and foster stronger representation within their respective communities.