The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cleared 56 candidates to contest in the November 27 by-elections, setting the stage for spirited political battles across the country.
The list, published in the Kenya Gazette and signed by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, includes aspirants for one Senate and six National Assembly seats — a mix of veteran politicians, party loyalists, and independent hopefuls keen to make a mark.
With campaigns now underway, the by-elections are expected to reignite political rivalries and test party influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Baringo County’s senatorial contest is shaping up to be a major test of political strength in the Rift Valley.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has fronted Chemitei Cheburet, who will face Shadrack Kaplawat of the Alliance for Change Party and Samuel Letasio from the Kenya Moja Movement.
Other candidates include David Kipruto (Republican Liberty Party), Chebon Benjamin (The New Democrats), and Daniel Kurui (Umoja na Maendeleo Party).
The race took a dramatic turn after former senator Gideon Moi withdrew following consultations with President William Ruto, a move seen as reshaping the political dynamics in the region.
In the National Assembly races, 50 candidates are eyeing six parliamentary seats.
Magarini constituency leads with ten candidates, among them former MP Harrison Kombe of ODM, who seeks to reclaim the seat after a court nullified his 2022 victory.
His competitors include Karisa Kenga (Democracy for the Citizens Party), Chengo Ngumbao (Democratic National Alliance), Jacob Kwicha (Federal Party of Kenya), and independent candidate Amos Kalama.
Also in the race are Sarah Gakahu (Kenya Moja Movement), John Masha (Kenya Social Congress), Hamadi Karisa (Roots Party), Kitsao Kalama (The We Alliance Party), and Samuel Komb (Wiper Patriotic Front).
In Banissa, the battle narrows down to a two-horse race between UDA’s Ahmed Hassan and Nurdin Mohamed of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA).
Mbeere North features eight contenders, led by Leo Wa Muthende (UDA) and Newton Ndwiga (Democratic Party).
Others include Murithi Njeru (Alliance for Change), Duncan Mbui (Chama Cha Kazi), Daniel Ngari (Kenya Moja), Albert Murimi (National Vision Party), Lawrence Iteri (Safina), Mwaura Waiharo (Umoja Na Maendeleo), and Ngiri Muringi (UPA).
In Malava, nine aspirants will vie for the seat, including UDA’s David Athman Ndakwa and Edgar Busiega (Democracy for the Citizens Party), alongside James Angatia (AFC), Joab Manyasi (Democratic National Alliance), and Benjamin Nakwa (NOPEU).
Ugunja will witness another ten-way contest as ODM’s Moses Omondi seeks to retain the seat previously held by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.
He faces Lilian Aketch (AFC), Maurice Okumu (Federal Party), Eric Ochieng (Jubilee), Chrisphine Omondi (KANU), and five others representing smaller parties and independent platforms.
In Kasipul, nine candidates are in the race, including ODM’s Boyd Were — son of former MP Ong’ondo Were.
Independents Linda Aoko, Philip Aroko, and Robert Bior are also in the running, alongside party nominees from Kenya Moja, Labour, MDG, NLP, and UPA.
The IEBC has reminded all candidates and supporters to adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct and maintain peace throughout the campaign period.
“The Commission calls on political parties, candidates, and their supporters to exercise tolerance and respect the law as campaigns intensify,” the statement read.
The by-elections are scheduled for November 27, with voters across the affected counties preparing for weeks of heightened political activity.
