The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of Kenya has announced that a by-election will be held on November 17, 2026, to fill a vacant seat in the Migwani ward of Kitui County. The seat became vacant after Harrison Maluki Mawia, the former MCA, was appointed as the Clerk of the Kitui County Assembly. Mawia had been representing Migwani Ward since the 2022 General Election and also served as the assembly's Majority Leader.
The vacancy was formally declared by Kitui County Assembly Speaker Kevin Katisya on August 6, 2026, after which the IEBC was notified to begin the process of organizing a by-election. According to the electoral timetable, political parties have until September 30, 2026, to submit the names of candidates who will participate in their respective party primaries, together with the dates of those primaries. Independent candidates are also required to submit their names and symbols to the commission by the same deadline.
The IEBC has scheduled candidate nomination for October 21 and 22, 2026. Candidates will submit their nomination papers between 8am and 1pm and between 2pm and 4pm on the two days. The campaign period will run from October 21 to November 14, 2026, with campaign activities permitted between 7am and 6pm. Political parties and candidates must also submit the names of their constituency and polling station agents by November 3, 2026.
The by-election will be held in Migwani Ward, Mwingi West Constituency, Kitui County. The IEBC is expected to oversee a smooth and transparent electoral process. The commission has been working to ensure that all necessary preparations are in place for the by-election. The Migwani ward seat is crucial, and various candidates are expected to vie for the position.
Harrison Maluki Mawia's appointment as Clerk of the Kitui County Assembly took effect on August 6, 2026. He was sworn into office on August 6, 2026, after the Kitui County Assembly approved his appointment on August 5, 2026. As Clerk, Mawia will serve as the chief administrative officer of the county assembly, providing procedural and legislative support.
The IEBC's decision to hold a by-election in Migwani ward is in line with the electoral laws and regulations. The commission is committed to ensuring that the by-election is conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. The outcome of the by-election will determine who will represent Migwani Ward in the Kitui County Assembly.
The by-election is a significant event in Kitui County, and residents of Migwani ward are eagerly awaiting the outcome. The IEBC's announcement has set the stage for a competitive and engaging electoral process. Key stakeholders, including political parties and candidates, are expected to play a crucial role in the by-election.
Key points
- The IEBC has set November 17, 2026, for the Migwani ward MCA by-election in Kitui County.
- The seat fell vacant after Harrison Maluki Mawia became Clerk of the Kitui County Assembly.
- Political parties and independent candidates have until September 30, 2026, to submit their details ahead of the nomination and campaign period.
