This archive report was first published on 15 August 2019.
On August 14, 2019, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi declared the Kibra MP seat vacant, marking the beginning of the process to fill the vacancy left by the late Ken Okoth.
According to a Gazette Notice published by Muturi, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has been instructed to organize a by-election to fill the vacant seat.
“In pursuance of the provision of section 16 (3) of the Elections Act, 2011, I command you that, due notice being given you do cause election to be held according to law of a member to serve in the National Assembly for the said constituency,” reads the notice.
While the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has expressed that it does not have a favourite candidate for the upcoming Kibra Constituency by-election, several candidates have expressed interest in vying for the seat.
ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen has assured interested politicians of a fair candidate selection process, urging them to be patient as ODM prepares for the poll.
“It has been less than two weeks since we lost MP Ken Okoth,” Ong’wen had said.
Okoth’s family has pleaded with ODM leader Raila Odinga to endorse Imran Okoth, MP Okoth's former personal assistant and step-brother, arguing that Imran is the right person for the job.
