The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson, Erastus Edung Ethekon, has announced the replacement of National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, a former nominated MP, in the National Assembly.
In the gazette notice dated July 24, the chairperson said that Harold Kimuge Kipchumba, a person with disability, will be taking the place of CS Mbadi as the Nominated Member of Parliament of Orange Democratic Movement.
According to Mr Ethekon, the move is in line with the provisions of section 37 of the Elections Act, which states the conditions of replacing a nominated MP.
“In our commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and fair representation, the Commission plays a central role in managing electoral processes guided by the constitution, relevant statutes and regulations. The Commission is mandated to conduct elections based on proportional representation through the use of party lists, in accordance with Article 90 of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 37(1) of the Elections Act, Cap 7. The allocation of seats is carried out based on the priority in which nominees were listed by their respective political parties, as submitted during the 2022 General Election,” Mr Ethekon said.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
CS Mbadi's replacement has been appointed in light of his joining the broad-based government following the reconstitution of President William Ruto’s Cabinet.
While the appointment of Mr Kipchumba is a win for persons with disability, it is a blow to the ODM Youth League, which had recently urged party leader Raila Odinga to consider naming ODM Youth League President John Ketora as a nominated MP.
During their national delegates’ executive meeting, the youths said that the appointment of Mr Ketora would cement Mr Odinga’s support to the young generation in the country.
The IEBC Chairperson also announced reallocation of nine special seats in various County Assemblies, following declarations of vacancies by the respective Speakers.
He said that vacancies in the County Assemblies had arisen due to the resignation or death of former members.
In the Garissa County Assembly, Abdi Gedi Adow of the United Democratic Alliance has been replaced with Dubat Abdikadir Adan.
In Muran’ga County Assembly, Wainaina Mark Gicheru has been replaced with Kirumwa Peter Mbogo, while in Kiambu County Assembly, Kihara Ezra Kabuga has been replaced by Wainaina Lawrence Mburu, both being UDA positions.
Wiper Democratic Movement of Kalonzo Musyoka has replaced Constance Mwandawiro with Ann Wambui Mukuru in Taita Taveta County Assembly, while in Makueni County Assembly, Maendeleo Chap Chap of Dr Alfred Mutua has replaced Magdalene Kamene Nguluku with Esther Mwongeli.
In Nyandarua County Assembly, UDA has replaced Njoroge Beth Wahito with Njoroge Jane Gathira and replaced Kamau Pauline Wairimu with Chege Flasia Nduta in Kirinyaga County Assembly.
ODM has replaced two MCAs in Kakamega County Assembly, replacing Phaustine Werimo with Lucy Kendi Khayadi, and the position of Godliver Omondi is being taken by Linet Wanga Imbayi.
