The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has implemented a sweeping reshuffle of nominated members in both the National Assembly and County Assemblies, aiming to realign representation in accordance with constitutional requirements for inclusivity.
In a Gazette Notice dated July 24, 2025, the IEBC announced the replacement of several individuals who had been nominated to represent special interest groups including persons with disabilities, youth, minority communities, and gender top-up lists.
Notable Changes in the National Assembly
A key change involves the removal of veteran legislator John Mbadi Ngongo, who was nominated by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) under the workers’ category.
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Mbadi has been replaced by Harold Kimuge Kipchumba, also from ODM, but nominated under the Persons with Disabilities category.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon stated that the move is guided by Articles 88(4), 90, and 97(1)(c) of the Constitution and the Elections Act, which require equitable and diverse representation in Parliament.
“This exercise ensures Parliament reflects the face of Kenya, particularly marginalized and underrepresented groups,” said Ethekon.
Reassignments in County Assemblies
County Assemblies across the country have also seen adjustments. Among the changes:
- Garissa County: Dubat Abdikadir Adan takes over from Abdi Gedi Adow. While Adow was nominated under the Persons with Disabilities category (UDA), Adan joins under the Youth category.
- Murang’a County: Kirumwa Peter Mbogo has been nominated to replace Wainaina Mark Gicheru. The special interest category shifts from Persons with Disabilities to Minority Groups under UDA.
- Kiambu County: Wainaina Lawrence Mburu replaces Kihara Ezra Kabuga, moving the nomination from Marginalised to Youth.
Gender Top-Up Adjustments
Several counties saw replacements in the gender top-up category:
- Taita Taveta: Ann Wambui Mukuru (Wiper) replaces Constance Mwandawiro.
- Makueni: Esther Mwongeli (Maendeleo Chap Chap) takes over from Magdalene Kamene Nguluku.
- Nyandarua: Jane Gathira Njoroge (UDA) replaces Beth Wahito Njoroge.
- Kirinyaga: Chege Flasia Nduta (UDA) replaces Pauline Wairimu Kamau.
- Kakamega (ODM):
- Lucy Kendi Khayadi replaces Phaustine Werimo
- Linet Wanga Imbayi replaces Godliver Omondi
These changes are anchored in Section 37 of the Elections Act, the IEBC Act, and Regulations 56B and 26(5) of the Elections General and Party Primaries and Party Lists Regulations.
A Step Toward Inclusive Governance
The IEBC emphasized that the reallocation of seats reflects its commitment to ensuring political inclusivity for all Kenyans, especially marginalized populations.
“This realignment upholds the principles of fairness and proportional representation enshrined in our Constitution,” the Commission affirmed.
The updated nominations reflect IEBC’s ongoing efforts to align Kenya’s legislative bodies with national values of diversity, equity, and social justice.