The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has set Tuesday, November 17, 2026, as the date for the Migwani Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) by-election in Mwingi West Constituency, Kitui County.
The commission announced the date in a Kenya Gazette notice published on Wednesday, September 23, following the declaration of a vacancy in the ward.
The seat fell vacant after former Migwani MCA Harrison Maluki Mawia was appointed Clerk of the Kitui County Assembly.
Mawia had represented the ward since the 2022 General Election and had also served as the assembly’s Majority Leader.
The Kitui County Assembly approved his appointment as Clerk on August 5, and he was sworn into office the following day. His appointment was formally gazetted, with the new position taking effect on August 6.
Migwani Ward seat declared vacant
Mawia’s move from the elected MCA position to the Clerk’s office created the vacancy in Migwani Ward.
The two positions have different responsibilities, with an MCA serving as an elected representative of the ward, while the Clerk is responsible for the administrative and procedural functions of the county assembly.
Kitui County Assembly Speaker Kevin Katisya formally declared the seat vacant on August 6 and notified IEBC, allowing the commission to begin preparations for the by-election.
The November election will be a midterm poll to fill the vacant seat for the remainder of the current county assembly term.
It will therefore be held separately from the 2027 General Election.
IEBC releases election timetable
IEBC has also released a timetable outlining the activities leading up to the by-election.
Political parties have until Wednesday, September 30, to submit the names of candidates who will take part in their party primaries, together with the dates of the primaries.
Independent candidates must also submit their names and symbols to IEBC by the same date.
Newly fully registered political parties are required to submit certified membership lists and their nomination rules.
The commission has planned the date for the submission of nomination papers on Wednesday, October 21 and Thursday, October 22.
Nomination papers shall be submitted within the hours of 8am and 1pm, and 2pm and 4pm on both dates.
Campaigns will run till November 14
Campaign period shall run from October 21 up to Saturday, November 14.
According to IEBC, campaign activities would be permitted between 7am and 6pm during the period of campaign.
Political parties and candidates must also provide the names of their constituency and polling agents to the commission on Tuesday, November 3.
IEBC has stated that voter registration and the revision of voter register will continue to be suspended until December 17, 2026.
If the Migwani Ward contest is contested, voters will go to the polls on November 17 to elect a new MCA.
