Africa-Press – Kenya. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has urged voters in Isiolo South Constituency and the County Assembly Wards of West Kabras, Muminji, and Evurore to turn out in large numbers tomorrow for by-elections to fill vacant seats.
According to the agency, polling stations will be open from 6am to 5pm, and any voter in line at closing time will be allowed to cast their ballot.
The commission assured the public that any lost time at the start of the day will also be recovered, ensuring every eligible voter can participate.
In its notice, IEBC emphasised that voting is both a civic duty and a powerful way for citizens to influence local development and governance.
Commission chairperson Erastus Ethekon said Tuesday it had finalised procurement of election materials, gazetted candidates, polling stations and tallying centres, and serviced and configured the Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits for deployment.
“Ballot papers and other materials have also been packaged and dispatched to the respective areas,” he said.
The by-elections are being closely watched, with parties aligned to both the government and the opposition seeking to test and demonstrate their political strength.
In Isiolo South, the contest for the Member of Parliament seat follows the passing of the MP, Tubi Bidu Mohamed.
Three candidates in the race are Fayo Isack Abduba (National Economic Development Party), Tubi Tubi Mohamed (UDA), and Tupi Bina Mohamed (Jubilee Party).
In West Kabras Ward, Kakamega County, six candidates are contesting the County Assembly seat, including Shalakha Elphas (UDA) and Khaemba Bramwel (DCP) and Mukhwana George (National Economic Development Party).
Muminji Ward, Embu County, features seven candidates.
The seat fell vacant after MCA Newton Karish resigned to contest the Mbeere North parliamentary seat.
They are Ngari Boniface (Devolution Empowerment Party), John Nyaga (UPA), Njeru Cosmas (National Economic Development Party), Njiru Joseph (Umoja na Maendeleo Party), Njiru Peterson Njeru (UDA), Njuki Charles Kiura (The We Alliance Party), and Nthiga Zachary Mbogo (Kenya Moja Movement Party).
Meanwhile, Evurore Ward, also in Embu County, has 10 candidates vying for the MCA seat.
They include Kabuthi Catherine (UPA), Kigoro Albert (Democratic Party), Mate Johnson Mukui (Independent), Muriithi Martin (National Economic Development Party), Njeru Joseph (People’s Liberation Party), Njeru Kennedy (United Green Movement), Njiru Eston(Umoja na Maendeleo Party), Njiru Virginia Thaara (Kenya Moja Movement Party), Nyaga Duncan (UDA), and Nyaga Kenneth (Chama Cha Kazi).
The commission says preparations, including ballot papers, trained staff, and technology, are in place to ensure a smooth election.
