National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has raised concerns that the prolonged failure to reconstitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) could affect the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a mid-term retreat for Members of Parliament in Naivasha, Nakuru County on Wednesday, January 29, Wetang’ula said that while the delayed IEBC reforms have already disrupted by-elections, they could also hinder the possibility of increasing the number of constituencies.
Further, he explained that the Constitution caps the number of constituencies at 290, and any expansion would require timely boundary reviews, something that remains uncertain given the stalled IEBC reconstitution.
“The delay in appointing new IEBC commissioners has had far-reaching consequences, from the failure to conduct by-elections in affected constituencies and wards to the stagnation of the crucial boundary delimitation exercise,” Wetang’ula said.
Further, he indicated that legal battles surrounding the reconstitution process had wasted valuable time, making it unclear whether a boundary review would be possible after new commissioners assume office.
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However, he suggested that demographic shifts could allow adjustments within the existing constituencies rather than an outright increase in their number.
“Any changes to electoral boundaries will likely be limited to demographic redistributions within current constituencies. We may not see an increase in the total number of constituencies,” he explained.
Also, he asked lawmakers to support the IEBC in executing its mandate once the commission is fully reconstituted.
What the Constitution States About IEBC Adding Constituencies
The Kenyan Constitution mandates that constituency boundaries be reviewed every eight to twelve years, with changes required to be finalized at least a year before a general election.
The law also stipulates that any new boundaries set within a year of an election will not apply to that cycle, further narrowing the window for action before the 2027 elections.
Currently, 11 constituencies are without representation due to pending by-elections, some caused by the deaths of sitting Members of County Assemblies (MCAs).
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On the other hand, others resulted from President William Ruto’s appointment of former legislators to executive positions. Wetang’ula stressed that the failure to hold by-elections has left thousands of citizens without proper representation.
“The absence of duly elected representatives in affected constituencies and wards is a serious issue. It is imperative that we expedite the reconstitution of IEBC to restore full representation in Parliament and local governments,” he added.
The process of appointing new IEBC commissioners is now up to the hands of a nine-member selection panel, gazetted by President Ruto and recently sworn in.
The panel, comprising representatives from various sectors, is tasked with identifying suitable candidates for the roles of IEBC chairperson and commissioners.
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