The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has gazetted the declaration of no contest for two county assembly seats, confirming that two United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidates have been elected unopposed ahead of the November 27, 2025 by-elections.
In a gazette notice published on Friday, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon announced that Reuben Kigen Tobosei (Tembelio Ward, Uasin Gishu County) and Philip Kipkosgei Kiprutto (Metkei Ward, Elgeyo Marakwet County) were the only validly nominated candidates for their respective wards.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by the Constitution and the Elections Act, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission makes a declaration of no contest, and the persons listed are duly elected for the electoral units indicated,” read part of the notice.
The declaration means the two leaders automatically assume their roles as Members of County Assembly (MCAs) without the need for a vote. The Elections Act allows the IEBC to declare a candidate elected unopposed if no other nominations are received by the close of the nomination period.
The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has hailed the development as a sign of the party’s growing grassroots support. “Congratulations to the UDA Party and the newly elected leaders on this early victory,” the party said in a brief statement following the gazettement.
The early confirmations reduce the number of contests on the ballot for the November by-elections, allowing the IEBC to focus its administrative and logistical resources on the remaining wards.
However, the commission has urged the public to rely only on official gazette notices and verified IEBC communications, following recent circulation of fake notices online earlier in October. The reminder underscores the importance of credible sources as the country approaches another round of local electoral contests.
