IEBC clears 56 candidates for November 27 by-elections

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairperson Erastus Ethekon. (Photo: IEBC)

By Maureen Kinyanjui
Tuesday, November 4, 2025

In the National Assembly contests, six constituencies are set for heated races with a total of 50 candidates entering the fray. Magarini leads with ten contenders, including Harrison Kombe of ODM, seeking to reclaim the seat after a court nullified his previous victory.

The stage is set for competitive politics as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has officially confirmed 56 candidates for the November 27 by-elections.

The list, published in the Kenya Gazette and signed by IEBC chair Erastus Ethekon, reveals a mix of seasoned politicians, party loyalists, and independent aspirants ready to vie for one Senate and six National Assembly seats, promising lively contests across the regions.

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With campaigns expected to heat up, voters are preparing for an active political period in the run-up to the polls.

Baringo County will see six candidates battle for the Senate seat, highlighting the contest as a key measure of political influence in the Rift Valley. UDA’s Chemitei Cheburet will face Shadrack Kaplawat of the Alliance for Change Party and Samuel Letasio from Kenya Moja Movement.

The race also includes David Kipruto representing the Republican Liberty Party, Chebon Benjamin of The New Democrats, and Daniel Kurui of Umoja Na Maendeleo Party.

Former Senator Gideon Moi had earlier withdrawn, following discussions with President William Ruto, adding further intrigue to the race.

In the National Assembly contests, six constituencies are set for heated races with a total of 50 candidates entering the fray. Magarini leads with ten contenders, including Harrison Kombe of ODM, seeking to reclaim the seat after a court nullified his previous victory.

He faces Karisa Kenga from the Democracy for the Citizens Party, Chengo Ngumbao of the Democratic National Alliance, Jacob Kwicha of the Federal Party of Kenya, and independent Amos Kalama.

Other aspirants include Sarah Gakahu of Kenya Moja Movement, John Masha of Kenya Social Congress, Hamadi Karisa of Roots Party, Kitsao Kalama of The We Alliance Party, and Samuel Komb from Wiper Patriotic Front.

Banissa presents a straightforward contest between Ahmed Hassan of UDA and Nurdin Mohamed of the United Progressive Alliance. Mbeere North has eight candidates, led by Leo Wa Muthende (UDA), Newton Ndwiga (Democratic Party), Murithi Njeru (Alliance for Change Party), and Duncan Mbui (Chama Cha Kazi).

Joining them are Daniel Ngari (Kenya Moja Movement), Albert Murimi (National Vision Party), Lawrence Iteri (Safina), Mwaura Waiharo (Umoja Na Maendeleo Party), and Ngiri Muringi (United Progressive Alliance).

In Malava, nine contenders will fight for the seat, including UDA’s David Athman Ndakwa and Edgar Busiega of DCP, despite earlier reports of withdrawal. Other names include James Angatia (AFC), Joab Manyasi (Democratic National Alliance), Shivakale Bruce (Entrust Pioneer), Wilberforce Indai (Kenya Moja), Benjamin Nakwa (NOPEU), and Ngaira Oyugi (Party of Democratic Unity).

Ugunja has ten candidates, with Moses Omondi representing ODM, aiming to retain the seat previously held by Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi. Other candidates are Lilian Aketch (AFC), Maurice Okumu (Federal Party), Eric Ochieng (Jubilee), Chrisphine Omondi (Kanu), Vincent Olengo (Kenya Moja), Oliver Ochuka (National Liberal Party), Fredrick Ochiel (UDM), Benson Otieno (United Green Movement), and Johannes Orodi (Wiper).

In Kasipul, nine candidates, including three independents, are seeking the seat. ODM has nominated Boyd, son of former MP Ong’ondo Were, while Jesse Samson Okello is running for the Democratic National Alliance.

Independents Linda Aoko, Philip Aroko, and Robert Bior are also on the ballot. Kenya Moja has fielded Isaac Abok, Labour Party presents Robert Ouma, MDG backs Collins Omondi, NLP has Ishmael Oyoo, and Sam Rateng runs under the United Progressive Alliance.