- IEBC used Ksh470.9 million for four by-elections after key leaders joined Ruto’s Cabinet.
- The Ungoma Senate by-election alone cost over Ksh233 million.
- More than 16 electoral areas still await by-elections due to deaths, appointments, or nullifications.
- Ruto recently named a new IEBC team amid delay concerns.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) spent nearly half a billion shillings to replace four high-profile politicians who left elective posts in 2022 to join President William Ruto’s government. The by-elections, which followed their exit, were held in Kandara, Garissa Township, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Bungoma.
The leaders include Alice Wahome (now Water CS), Adan Duale (Defence CS), Kipchumba Murkomen (Transport CS), and Moses Wetang’ula (Speaker of the National Assembly).
In a letter dated June 16, 2025, IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan broke down the actual cost of conducting each of the four by-elections. The total figure stood at Ksh470,909,672 — close to half a billion.
Below is how the funds were spent: Kandara Constituency – Ksh49.5 million, Garissa Township – Ksh44.4 million, Elgeyo Marakwet Senate – Ksh144 million, Bungoma Senate – Ksh233.1 million
The figures were revealed following an inquiry by law firm Mugeria, Lempaa & Kariuki Advocates LLP.
President Ruto recently appointed a new team to the IEBC in a move aimed at restoring quorum and reviving stalled processes. Through Gazette Notices dated June 10, 2025, he named Erastus Edung Ethekon as the new chairperson of the Commission.
The President also appointed six commissioners, all to serve for six years: Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassa,n Francis Odhiambo Aduol, Fahima Araphat Abdallah
This new team is expected to immediately oversee pending electoral duties, including those delayed by-elections.
Over 16 Electoral Areas Still Unrepresented
Despite the new appointments, at least 16 electoral areas across Kenya remain without representation. These include nine wards that lost their MCAs through death and several constituencies that lost leaders through court nullifications or executive appointments.
So far, Kenya has lost: 9 MCAs, 2 MPs, 1 Senator
The Constitution requires that a by-election be conducted within 90 days of a seat falling vacant, but most of these have been delayed due to the IEBC’s inability to act without a full commission.
With the new team in place, pressure is now mounting on IEBC to deliver on its mandate. Stakeholders, including political parties and civil society, are urging swift action to fill vacant positions and ensure full representation of the people.
Ruto’s decision to appoint a new IEBC team also comes amid legal and public concerns, with critics arguing the move may have violated previous court orders on IEBC appointments.
As the Commission regroups under new leadership, the spotlight remains firmly on its ability to manage upcoming by-elections fairly, promptly, and within the law.
