Kitui Governor Dr Julius Malombe has vowed to lead Wiper Party’s grassroots campaign and secure victory in the Migwani Ward by-election, declaring that the party is determined to win the seat despite a High Court order suspending the electoral process for 30 days.
Malombe, who serves as Wiper Party’s Kitui County chairperson, said he was actively involved in the campaign and would personally lead efforts to mobilise support at the grassroots.
“We will win Migwani. We must deliver this seat on behalf of Wiper,” Malombe said, underscoring the party’s determination to secure victory.
The governor made the remarks during his weekly development tours across Kitui County, which involve the unveiling and commissioning of development projects.
Malombe said he would work with grassroots leaders and party supporters to pursue Wiper’s electoral objective in Migwani Ward.
His declaration comes amid uncertainty over the by-election following a court ruling that temporarily halted preparations for the November 17, 2026, poll.
High Court suspends November 17 poll
On Thursday, October 22, the High Court in Kitui issued interim conservatory orders suspending the Migwani Ward by-election for 30 days pending further proceedings in a constitutional petition challenging the declaration of the seat as vacant.
Justice S.N. Riechi ordered the suspension of the electoral process initiated by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The petition, filed by Francis Musili Kauta, challenges the circumstances surrounding the declaration of the vacancy following the appointment of former Migwani MCA Harrison Maluki Mawia as Clerk of the Kitui County Assembly.
The court declined to determine the legality of Mawia’s recruitment, ruling that employment-related disputes fall under the jurisdiction of the Employment and Labour Relations Court.
The High Court retained jurisdiction to examine whether the declaration and notification of the ward vacancy complied with the Constitution.
The petition is scheduled for hearing on November 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The November 17 polling date is therefore uncertain as the court process continues.
Six candidates cleared for Migwani race
Before the suspension, the IEBC had cleared six candidates to contest the Migwani Ward seat in Mwingi West Constituency.
The candidates are Michael Kive of the Peoples Party of Kenya (PPK), Christine Mwende of the National Economic Development Party (NEDP), Joel Kuri of the Mabadiliko Party of Kenya (MAPK), 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).
The clearance exercise concluded on October 22, paving the way for campaigns ahead of the scheduled poll before the court issued its suspension orders.
The seat fell vacant after Mawia left his position as Migwani Ward MCA to take up the role of Clerk of the Kitui County Assembly.
The court’s next directions will be critical in determining the way forward for the by-election and when the electoral process can proceed.
Channel 15 News – The Full Story First On www.channel15news.co.ke
