Editor's Review

Despite the competitive nature of Kenyan politics, some leaders have been able to be elected unopposed.

The Kenyan political scene is one of the most competitive in the African continent. In most elections, a political seat always attracts several candidates drawn from different political parties.  

Despite its competitive nature, some leaders have been able to be elected unopposed owing to factors such as having a massive following and being in the right political party among others. 

In this article, we outline 5 Kenyan politicians who were elected unopposed in different elections: 

Kimani Ichung'wah

The National Assembly Majority Leader and legislator for Kikuyu constituency was elected unopposed in the 2017 general election.

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He was in the ruling Jubilee Party which was dominant in the area. Ichung'wah won the Jubilee nomination, after which his competitors dropped from the race and rallied behind him.

With no competitors, Ichung'wah was declared the Kikuyu constituency Member of Parliament elect without the constituents voting in that particular election.

Moses Kuria

In 2014, Gatundu South constituency had a parliamentary by-election where Moses Kuria was elected the area MP unopposed.

Kuria remained the only candidate in the race after his challenger Kiarie Kamere of the new Democrats Party shelved his bid. 

He contested on the National Alliance (TNA) party ticket. TNA was one of the parties under the Jubilee coalition, which was a dominant force in the region.

The constituency took part in a by-election following the death of former MP Joseph Ngugi Nyumu.

Beatrice Kemei

She was elected Kericho County Woman Rep unopposed in the 2022 general election. She won the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ticket and was hoping to square with other candidates, but none stepped forward. 

Consequently, IEBC declared her as the legitimately elected Kericho Woman Rep.


File image of Kericho County Woman Rep Beatrice Kemei and President William Ruto. [Photo: Courtesy]

Julius Kimutai

He was elected unopposed in the Ravine Member of County Assembly (MCA) race in the 2022 general election. With no one coming forth to challenge him, Kimutai was handed his election certificate by IEBC and now represents Ravine ward constituents in the Baringo County Assembly. 

Issa Aden

Aden won the Sabena Member of County Assembly race unopposed in the 2022 general election. He contested on the National Agenda party ticket. He was handed his election certificate and represents Sabena constituents in the Garissa County Assembly.