The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has suspended the Migwani Ward by-election in Mwingi West Constituency, Kitui County, following interim conservatory orders issued by the High Court.
In a notice on October 27, the commission said the orders were issued on October 22, 2026, in Kitui High Court Constitutional Petition No. E011 of 2026, filed by Francis Musili Kauta against IEBC and three others.
The commission said the court ordered the suspension of the by-election for 30 days, pending the hearing and determination of the petition.
“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. (Kitui High Court constitutional petition number E011 of 2026 : Francis Musili Kauta vs. IEBC &3 Others),” stated IEBC.
The court is scheduled to hear the case on November 11, 2026.
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IEBC urged members of the public and all stakeholders to note the suspension, adding that it will share further updates through its official channels.
The by-election was set to fill the Migwani Ward seat, but the electoral process will remain on hold until the court considers the petition and issues further directions.
“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 Commission said
How the Migwani Ward By-Election Took Shape
The Migwani Ward MCA seat fell vacant on August 6 after former Member of the County Assembly Harrison Maluki Mawia resigned to take up the position of Clerk of the Kitui County Assembly. His resignation prompted the IEBC to organise a by-election to fill the seat for the remainder of the current term.
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In September, IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon gazetted November 17 as the polling date and outlined timelines for candidate nominations, campaigns and other electoral activities.
The commission also invited media practitioners and election observers to apply for accreditation ahead of the by-election, setting October 30 as the application deadline.
The race has drawn interest from Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper party and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), with both parties stepping up campaigns in the ward.
Wiper seeks to retain its influence in Ukambani, where Kalonzo has a strong political base, while UDA aims to increase its support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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