Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioner MaryKaren Sorobit visited Malava Constituency on Tuesday to oversee preparations for the parliamentary by-election scheduled for Thursday, November 27. Speaking to polling clerks taking the Oath of Secrecy, she emphasized personal accountability and urged election officials to perform their duties with diligence and integrity.
“Each of you is personally responsible for upholding the law and the Oath of Secrecy,” Sorobit said. “Any breach carries serious consequences. Kenyans must look after their own democracy by doing the right thing.” She assured officials that support would be available on the ground through the Returning Officer and Deputy Returning Officer to address any issues.
The Malava by-election was triggered by the death of its MP earlier this year, one of several vacancies prompting a wave of by-elections across the country. In total, IEBC will oversee 23 contests, including six National Assembly constituencies, one Senate seat, and 16 county assembly wards. Other key constituencies include Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja. Two MCA candidates have already been declared elected unopposed in Tembelio and Metkei wards after no challengers emerged.
The schedule has drawn scrutiny from political parties and civil society. Kenyan law mandates that parliamentary vacancies be filled within 90 days, but IEBC cited delays caused by the late reconstitution of the Commission and logistical challenges, such as the use of schools as polling stations. Invoking Article 259 of the Constitution, the Commission said the November 27 date allows it to uphold the spirit of the law while ensuring orderly elections.
Political observers say the by-elections are a test of the Commission’s capacity to conduct credible polls under pressure. Opposition figures, including ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, have challenged the timeline, arguing the Commission exceeded constitutional limits. Meanwhile, parties and alliances are mobilizing candidates and supporters, seeing the contests as an early barometer of political strength ahead of the next general elections.
