The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has set February 26, 2026, as the date for by-elections in Isiolo, Embu, and Kakamega counties following vacancies in representative seats. These seats became vacant due to a death and resignations by officeholders. The commission has outlined a preparation timeline to ensure a fair process.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has officially announced February 26, 2026, as the date for by-elections in Isiolo, Embu, and Kakamega counties. The polls will cover the Isiolo South parliamentary seat, left vacant after the death of MP Mohamed Tubi, who was elected in 2022 on a Jubilee Party ticket. Additionally, three ward seats in Muminji and Evurore wards (Embu) and Kabras Magharibi ward (Kakamega) will be contested, vacated by resignations to pursue parliamentary bids.
In Mbeere North, Muminji ward representative Newton Kariuki (Devolution Empowerment Party) and Evurore's Duncan Mbui stepped down to contest the recent by-election for the parliamentary seat. Kabras Magharibi's David Ndakwa (UDA) resigned to run for the Malava MP seat and emerged victorious. The IEBC has established a timeline: Political parties must submit primary election schedules and member lists by January 2, 2026, officer names by January 13, and candidate nominations by January 16. Independent candidates, who must not have been party members for at least three months prior, submit by January 2.
Nominations will occur on January 22 and 23, with campaigns running from January 22 to February 23. Campaign activities are permitted from 1 a.m. to 12 p.m. daily. The voter register verified on June 21, 2022, will apply to Embu and Kakamega, while Isiolo South will extend registration until March 30, 2026, to boost participation.