- IEBC has set February 26, 2026, as By-Election Day
- Polls will be held in Embu, Kakamega and Isiolo counties
- Isiolo South MP seat fell vacant after the death of Mohammed Tubi
- Three MCA seats became vacant after resignations to contest parliamentary races
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has officially set February 26, 2026, as the date for by-elections in Embu, Kakamega and Isiolo counties, following vacancies in one parliamentary seat and three county assembly positions.
The announcement was made through a Gazette Notice, outlining how the commission plans to conduct the mini polls.
One of the key contests will be in Isiolo South Constituency, where voters will elect a new Member of Parliament. The seat fell vacant after the death of area MP Mohammed Tubi, who was elected on a Jubilee Party ticket.
The by-election will allow residents to choose a new representative to serve the remainder of the term.
Three County Assembly seats also became vacant after sitting MCAs resigned to contest parliamentary positions during the November 27 by-elections.
In Mbeere North, both Muminji Ward MCA Newton Karish and Evurore Ward MCA Duncan Mbui stepped down to vie for the parliamentary seat. However, they were defeated by Wamuthende, leaving their ward seats vacant.
In Kabras West, Kakamega County, MCA David Ndakwa resigned and went on to successfully win the Malava parliamentary seat on a UDA ticket, creating another vacancy at the county assembly level.
IEBC has directed political parties planning to take part in the by-elections to submit details of their party primaries by January 2, 2026.
Once submissions are received, the commission will gazette the names of party candidates and independent aspirants within seven days.
Campaigns for the by-elections will officially run from January 22 to February 23, 2026. IEBC has limited campaign hours to 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to ensure order and compliance with the law.
The commission said the polls will be conducted strictly under the Elections Act, the Leadership and Integrity Act, and Chapter Six of the Constitution, which outlines standards for leadership and integrity.
