NAIROBI – Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has officially been replaced with Harold Kimuge Kipchumba as a nominated Member of Parliament, following changes by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to reassign special seat positions. CS Mbadi, who entered Parliament in 2022 under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), left the nomination position vacant after taking up his Treasury Cabinet role in President William Ruto’s administration an arrangement reached under the broad based government arrangement with ODM leader Raila Odinga.
In a special gazette notice dated July 24, IEBC confirmed that Harold Kimuge Kipchumba will replace Mbadi under the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) category. IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon explained that the change followed constitutional guidelines and statutory requirements, particularly Article 90 of the Constitution and Section 37(1) of the Elections Act.
“These adjustments are not political. They’re legal corrections that reflect the original order of party list priorities submitted in 2022,” Ethekon stated. “We are ensuring inclusivity for all special interest groups.”
The Commission made changes to nine other nominated positions across various County Assemblies. These updates stemmed from either vacancies due to resignation and death or necessary reordering of party lists.
In Garissa, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) nominee Abdi Gedi Adow was replaced by Dubat Abdikadir Adan under the youth category. In Kakamega, ODM’s Phaustine Werimo and Godliver Omondi were dropped in favor of Lucy Kendi Khayadi and Linet Wanga Imbayi.
Additional changes were reported in Murang’a, Kiambu, Taita Taveta, and Makueni counties.
Some affected individuals and party representatives have criticized the move, threatening court action. However, the IEBC chair dismissed these objections.
“We are acting within the law,” Ethekon said. “We cannot be intimidated by threats. Every adjustment was reviewed and made after guidance from legally recognized dispute resolution mechanisms.”
The IEBC’s move comes as the Commission intensifies its oversight on compliance with party list submissions, particularly for seats reserved for youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
With the 2027 election cycle drawing closer, the latest reshuffle signals the electoral body’s renewed focus on enforcing constitutional provisions around representation and inclusion.
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