The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) used almost Ksh500 million to conduct four 2022 by-elections triggered by the appointments of key political allies of President William Ruto to top government positions.
Those who vacated their elective seats include:
- Alice Wahome, who left her position as Kandara MP to become the Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation
- Adan Duale, who served as Garissa Township MP, was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Defence.
- Kipchumba Murkomen, formerly the Senator for Elgeyo Marakwet County, became the Cabinet Secretary for Roads, Transport and Public Works.
- Moses Wetang’ula, who held the seat of Bungoma Senator, resigned to take up the role of Speaker of the National Assembly
IEBC Spent Nearly Ksh 500M to Replace Ruto Allies in 2022 By-Elections
In a letter dated 16th June 2025, Marjan Hussein Marjan, the Commission Secretary/CEO of IEBC, confirmed the costs in response to an inquiry from Mugeria, Lempaa & Kariuki Advocates LLP.
“The information sought on costs of by-elections in the listed areas is as below,” the letter reads in part.
- The breakdown of the costs is as follows:
| Electoral Area | Cost of the By-Election |
|---|---|
| Kandara Constituency | Ksh. 49,509,854.00 |
| Garissa Township Constituency | Ksh. 44,412,259.00 |
| Elgeyo Marakwet County | Ksh. 143,977,287.00 |
| Bungoma County | Ksh. 233,153,272.00 |
The total expenditure amounted to Ksh. 470,909,672, nearly half a billion shillings.
“Reference is made to the above matter and your letter dated April 23, 2025, whose contents are duly noted,” Marjan added in the official response.
Also Read: Ruto Defies Court Order, Makes IEBC Appointments
President William Ruto on June 10, 2025, appointed a new chairperson and six commissioners to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), according to Gazette Notices No. 7724 and 7725 dated June 10, 2025.
Ruto appointed Erastus Edung Ethekon as the new chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Ethekon will serve for a term of six years, in line with the provisions of Article 250 (2) of the Constitution and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act.
Alongside Ethekon’s appointment, six new commissioners were named to the IEBC: Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah. Each of the new members will also serve for a term of six years.
By-elections Awaits in More than 16 Constituencies and Wards
The appointments by Ruto come at a crucial time for the IEBC, which is tasked with overseeing the conduct of by-elections and managing electoral boundaries in the country.
Certain counties, constituencies, and wards currently lack representation in their respective legislative bodies as by-elections have been delayed due to the lack of a quorum in the IEBC.
Also Read: IEBC Delay: List of Constituencies, Wards and Counties Left Without Representation
At least 16 electoral areas require by-elections for members of the National Assembly, including nine ward seats left vacant due to the deaths of Members of County Assemblies (MCAs).
The vacancies have arisen from the deaths of the lawmakers, President William Ruto’s appointment of elected leaders to his cabinet and the nullification of elections.
Since the 2022 general elections, Kenya has lost nine MCAs, two Members of Parliament (MPs), and a Senator.
The Constitution dictates that whenever a vacancy occurs in an electoral area, a by-election should be held within 90 days.
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