The race for the Migwani County Assembly Ward seat is taking shape following the conclusion of the two-day candidate registration and clearance exercise by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The by-election is scheduled for 17 November 2026 in Mwingi West Constituency, Kitui County.
On the second and final day of the exercise, Returning Officer Julius Maingi cleared three additional candidates: Susan Nzoka of the Party of Independent Candidates of Kenya (PICK), Mwangangi Munyoki of the Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF), and Kimanzi Mwendwa of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Their clearance brings the total number of candidates cleared to contest the seat to six.
With the clearance exercise complete, attention now shifts to the campaign period, as the candidates prepare to present their agendas and seek the support of Migwani Ward voters. The period offers voters an opportunity to engage with the candidates, assess their proposals and make informed decisions ahead of polling day.
As campaigns gather momentum, the Commission calls on all candidates, political parties, supporters and other stakeholders to uphold the Electoral Code of Conduct, respect differing opinions and conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns. Political competition should provide room for constructive debate and the exchange of ideas without hostility, intimidation or violence.
The Commission further urges all stakeholders to embrace tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence before, during and after the by-election. Every candidate has the right to campaign freely, while every voter deserves a safe environment in which to participate and make an independent choice without fear or intimidation.
The IEBC remains committed to facilitating a free, fair, transparent and peaceful by-election in Migwani Ward. Achieving this requires the collective responsibility of candidates, political parties, voters and all other stakeholders in safeguarding peace and upholding democratic principles.
As Migwani Ward moves closer to polling day, the message is clear: let ideas shape the contest, let voters make the choice, and let peace guide the process.
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