The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) today commenced a two-day candidate clearance and registration exercise for the Migwani County Assembly Ward by-election, scheduled for 17 November 2026. The exercise, which concludes tomorrow, Thursday, 22 October 2026, marks a key milestone in the preparations for the upcoming by-election.
On the first day of the exercise, the Returning Officer, Julius Maingi, cleared three candidates to contest the by-election. They are Michael Kive of the Peoples Party of Kenya (PPK), Christine Mwende of the National Economic Development Party (NEDP), and Joel Kuri of the Mabadiliko Party of Kenya (MAPK).
The clearance process is an important step in ensuring that candidates seeking elective office meet the prescribed legal and electoral requirements before proceeding to the campaign period. It also reinforces the importance of compliance with the rules governing the conduct of elections and promotes a level playing field for all candidates.
All candidates cleared to contest the by-election are required to sign the Electoral Code of Conduct and commit to upholding its provisions. They are further expected to comply with the Constitution, applicable electoral laws and other relevant legal requirements throughout the electoral process, including during campaigns, on polling day and in the post-election period.
As preparations continue, the Commission reiterates its commitment to conducting a free, fair, transparent, credible and peaceful by-election in Migwani Ward. Through its electoral processes, the IEBC seeks to uphold democratic principles, safeguard the integrity of the vote and provide voters with an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to elect their representative.
The Commission calls upon candidates, political parties, supporters and other stakeholders to observe the law, uphold the Electoral Code of Conduct and conduct themselves responsibly to support a peaceful electoral environment ahead of the 17 November 2026 by-election.
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