IEBC Announces New Nominations to Replace CS John Mbadi and Nine MCAs Across the Country
Nairobi, Kenya – July 26, 2025
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has officially announced the nomination of Harold Kimuge Kipchumba to the National Assembly, replacing former legislator John Mbadi who was recently appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury.
Harold Kipchumba, nominated by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), joins Parliament under the category of persons living with disabilities. His appointment follows the declaration of Mbadi’s parliamentary seat as vacant by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, in line with the law governing the replacement of nominated members when they assume executive roles.
In a Gazette notice dated July 24, 2025, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon also confirmed the reallocation of nine special seats in various county assemblies across the country. These vacancies arose from resignations and deaths of previously nominated Members of County Assembly (MCAs).
List of Newly Nominated MCAs
In Garissa County, Dubat Abdikadir Adan has been nominated by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to replace Abdi Gedi Adow under the youth category.
In Murang’a County, Kirumwa Peter Mbogo replaces Wainaina Mark Gicheru, previously nominated under the persons with disability category, now reallocated to represent minority interests.
Kiambu County sees Wainaina Lawrence Mburu replacing Kihara Ezra Kabuga under the youth category.
In Taita Taveta, Wiper party nominee Ann Wambui Mukuru takes over from Constance Mwandawiro under the gender top-up list.
Makueni County‘s new MCA is Esther Mwongeli, nominated by Maendeleo Chap Chap party to fill the seat left by Magdalene Kamene Nguluku.
Nyandarua County now has Jane Gathira Njoroge replacing Beth Wahito Njoroge, while Kirinyaga County‘s Pauline Wairimu Kamau has been succeeded by Chege Flasia Nduta — all under the gender top-up representation.
In Kakamega County, ODM has replaced two members: Lucy Kendi Khayadi replaces Phaustine Werimo and Linet Wanga Imbayi takes over from Godliver Omondi.
Constitutional Backing
The nominations are guided by Article 90 of the Constitution and Section 37(1) of the Elections Act, which provides that vacancies among nominated seats should be filled based on the priority order in party lists submitted before the 2022 General Election.
The IEBC reaffirmed its commitment to upholding fair representation for special interest groups, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and minorities. The Commission is also preparing for a series of by-elections to fill 23 vacant seats across the Senate, National Assembly, and county assemblies.
These changes mark a significant reshuffling of political representation and come at a time when parties are under pressure to maintain inclusivity and transparency in their nomination processes.
