National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula has raised concerns that the long-delayed reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) could derail crucial electoral processes, with boundary delimitation emerging as the biggest casualty.
Speaking during the 2025 National Assembly Mid-Term Retreat in Naivasha, Nakuru County, Wetang’ula noted that while the lack of a fully operational IEBC has hindered by-elections in constituencies and wards with vacancies, the greater threat lies in the stalled boundary delimitation process.
“The delay in the reconstitution of the IEBC has stalled crucial activities, including boundary delimitation, which is vital for the country’s electoral system,” Wetang’ula stated.
No Time for New Constituencies, Only Demographic Adjustments Possible
According to Article 89 of the Constitution, Kenya currently has 290 constituencies, with no room for expansion unless a review is completed at least 12 months before a General Election. With the 2027 elections fast approaching, Wetang’ula acknowledged that the stalled IEBC operations may have already made it impossible to create new constituencies.
“With the time lost due to court battles over the IEBC, we do not know whether there will be a possibility of boundary delimitation once the new commissioners assume office,” he cautioned.
However, he clarified that while no new constituencies may be created, the IEBC can still redraw boundaries based on demographic shifts, ensuring fair representation without altering the total number of constituencies.
Urgent Call to Fast-Track IEBC Reconstitution
Wetang’ula urged the newly sworn-in IEBC Selection Panel to act swiftly in nominating commissioners, emphasizing that many constituencies and wards remain unrepresented due to pending by-elections.
“It is imperative that the IEBC Selection Panel speedily reconstitutes the Commission to allow Kenyans to have full representation in Parliament and in their local wards,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Leader of the Majority Party Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, who decried the prolonged lack of an electoral commission, which he said has left many Kenyans disenfranchised.
“There are constituencies that remain unrepresented, leaving citizens without a voice for far too long. The new selection panel must move with speed and select individuals of integrity to lead the IEBC,” Ichung’wah stated.
IEBC Selection Panel Faces Immense Pressure
The nine-member selection panel, gazetted by President William Ruto and sworn in on Monday, is now under immense pressure to deliver. Tasked with recruiting the next IEBC chairperson and commissioners, the panel includes:
- Kiome Lindah Gakii
- Oloo Adams
- James Evans Misati
- Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore
- Ambassador Koki Muli Grignon
- Carolene Kituku
- Tanui Andrew Kipkoech
- Nelson Makanda
- Fatuma Saman
With the stakes higher than ever, all eyes are on the IEBC selection panel to restore confidence in the electoral body, ensure timely by-elections, and address boundary concerns that could define the next election cycle.
Will the panel rise to the challenge, or will political hurdles continue to delay the process?
Stay tuned for more updates.
