The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has made sweeping changes to nominated seats in both the National Assembly and County Assemblies across Kenya. The reshuffle, announced in a Gazette Notice dated July 24, 2025, affects individuals nominated under special interest categories, including persons with disabilities, youth, minority groups, and gender top-up lists.
Among the most notable changes is the replacement of veteran politician John Mbadi Ngongo, who had been nominated under the workers’ category by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). Mbadi has now been replaced by Harold Kimuge Kipchumba, also of ODM, under the Persons with Disabilities category. IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said the changes were made in line with Articles 88(4), 90, and 97(1)(c) of the Constitution and relevant electoral laws.
In the counties, several new faces have taken up nominated roles. In Taita Taveta, Ann Wambui Mukuru has replaced Constance Mwandawiro under the Wiper Democratic Movement. Makueni County saw Esther Mwongeli take over from Magdalene Kamene Nguluku (Maendeleo Chap Chap), while in Nyandarua, Jane Gathira Njoroge has replaced Beth Wahito Njoroge under UDA.
Garissa County witnessed a category shift as Dubat Abdikadir Adan replaced Abdi Gedi Adow. Adan was nominated under the Youth category, while Adow had represented persons with disabilities, both under UDA. In Murang’a, Kirumwa Peter Mbogo took over from Wainaina Mark Gicheru in the Minority Groups category.
Further changes include Wainaina Lawrence Mburu replacing Kihara Ezra Kabuga in Kiambu under the Youth category and Chege Flasia Nduta replacing Pauline Wairimu Kamau in Kirinyaga under UDA.
ODM also made gender top-up changes in Kakamega, replacing Phaustine Werimo with Lucy Kendi Khayadi and Godliver Omondi with Linet Wanga Imbayi.
The IEBC emphasized that the adjustments are part of its constitutional duty to enhance equitable political representation for marginalized and underrepresented groups, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to inclusivity and proportional representation in governance.
