The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced a reallocation of special seats in both the National Assembly and County Assemblies across Kenya.
In a Gazette Notice dated July 24, 2025, the electoral agency made a series of amendments to its 2022 notices regarding nominated members, replacing several individuals nominated under special interest categories such as persons with disabilities, youth, minority groups, and gender top-up lists.
Changes in the National Assembly
One of the most notable changes was the replacement of John Mbadi Ngongo, who had been nominated under the workers' category by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Mbadi has now been replaced by Harold Kimuge Kipchumba, also of ODM, nominated under the Persons with Disabilities category.
This adjustment is part of the IEBC’s statutory obligation under the Constitution and Elections Act to ensure inclusivity and equitable representation in Parliament.
According to IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, “the Commission exercises its powers under Articles 88(4), 90 and 97(1)(c) of the Constitution, alongside relevant provisions of the Elections Act and related regulations.”
Changes in County Assemblies
Several changes have also been made to the composition of County Assemblies through the reallocation of special seats.
In Garissa County, Dubat Abdikadir Adan has been nominated to replace Abdi Gedi Adow. While Adow had been representing persons with disabilities under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Adan takes the seat under the Youth category.
In Murang’a County, Kirumwa Peter Mbogo replaces Wainaina Mark Gicheru as a nominee representing Minority Groups, also under UDA. Gicheru was previously listed under the Persons with Disabilities category.
Kiambu County has also seen changes, with Wainaina Lawrence Mburu replacing Kihara Ezra Kabuga, with the special interest category changed from Marginalised to Youth.
Further changes were announced under the Gender Top-Up Lists in multiple counties:
In Taita Taveta County, Ann Wambui Mukuru has replaced Constance Mwandawiro under the Wiper Democratic Movement.
Makueni County saw Esther Mwongeli replacing Magdalene Kamene Nguluku, both of Maendeleo Chap Chap Party.
In Nyandarua, Jane Gathira Njoroge now replaces Beth Wahito Njoroge, under UDA.
Kirinyaga County's nomination now features Chege Flasia Nduta, replacing Pauline Wairimu Kamau, also under UDA.
ODM also made notable replacements in Kakamega County, swapping Phaustine Werimo with Lucy Kendi Khayadi, and Godliver Omondi with Linet Wanga Imbayi, both on the gender top-up list.
These amendments are in accordance with Section 37 of the Elections Act, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act, and Regulations 56B and 26(5) of the Elections General and Party Primaries and Party Lists Regulations, respectively.
The IEBC reiterates that the reallocation of these seats is in line with its constitutional mandate to oversee and ensure fair political representation of all segments of society, especially historically marginalised groups.
The Gazette Notice affirms the Commission’s continued role in facilitating inclusivity in the country’s governance structures, fulfilling the vision of proportional representation and diversity outlined in the Constitution.
