Editor's Review

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has suspended the Migwani Ward by-election.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has suspended the Migwani County Assembly Ward by-election.

IEBC announced the suspension of the election vide a public notice issued on Tuesday, October 27.

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The Commission explained that the suspension of the mini-poll complied with a court order issued by the Kitui High Court.

"The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) hereby informs the general public that the by-election for Migwani Ward, Mwingi West Constituency, Kitui County, has been suspended following interim conservatory orders issued by the High Court on 22nd October, 2026," the notice read in part.

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Francis Musili Kauta filed a case against IEBC and three other respondents. The case was registered as Kitui High Court constitutional petition number E011 of 2026.

A file photo of IEBC officials preparing for the Migwani Ward by-election.

IEBC explained that the Court issued the orders for a period of 30 days pending the hearing of the petition, and scheduled the hearing of the petition on November 11, 2026.

"The Commission urges members of the public and all stakeholders to take note of this development. Further updates will be communicated through the Commission’s official channels," the statement read.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon had gazetted the Migwani Ward by-election to be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2026.  

The seat fell vacant after the immediate former MCA Harrison Maluki Mawia resigned to become the Clerk of the Kitui County Assembly. Consequently, the Kitui County Assembly Speaker, Kevin Katisya, declared the seat vacant.

The Wiper Patriotic Front Leader Kalonzo Musyoka confirmed  Munywoki Mwangangi as the party's candidate for the by-election

The Migwani Ward Returning Officer, Julius Maingi, also cleared Susan Nzoka of the Party of Independent Candidates of Kenya (PICK), Kimanzi Mwendwa of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), and Michael Kive of the Peoples Party of Kenya (PPK) to contest in the mini-poll.

Christine Mwende of the National Economic Development Party (NEDP), and Joel Kuri of the Mabadiliko Party of Kenya (MAPK)were also cleared to run for the seat, bringing the total number of canidates to six.