NAIROBI, Kenya – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has gazetted Harold Kimuge Kipchumba as a nominated Member of Parliament, replacing Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi in a sweeping reallocation of special seats.
In a Gazette Notice dated July 24, 2025, the IEBC formally amended its 2022 list of nominated legislators, citing statutory obligations under the Constitution and Elections Act to uphold equitable representation in Kenya’s legislative bodies.
Kipchumba, nominated under the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) category by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), now takes the slot previously held by Mbadi, who was originally listed under the Workers’ category in the National Assembly.
The move marks a significant shift in ODM’s representation structure and underscores the IEBC’s ongoing mandate to ensure inclusivity, particularly for marginalized groups.
“The Commission exercises its powers under Articles 88(4), 90, and 97(1)(c) of the Constitution, alongside relevant provisions of the Elections Act and related regulations,” said IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon in the notice.
County Assemblies Also Affected
Alongside changes in the National Assembly, the IEBC announced a series of reassignments in County Assemblies across several counties:
- Garissa County: Dubat Abdikadir Adan replaces Abdi Gedi Adow under the Youth category (previously PWD) – both under UDA.
- Murang’a County: Kirumwa Peter Mbogo takes over from Wainaina Mark Gicheru as a Minority Groups nominee, also under UDA.
- Kiambu County: Wainaina Lawrence Mburu replaces Kihara Ezra Kabuga, changing category from Marginalized to Youth.
Gender Top-Up Replacements
Notable gender top-up amendments include:
- Taita Taveta (Wiper): Ann Wambui Mukuru replaces Constance Mwandawiro
- Makueni (Maendeleo Chap Chap): Esther Mwongeli replaces Magdalene Kamene Nguluku
- Nyandarua (UDA): Jane Gathira Njoroge replaces Beth Wahito Njoroge
- Kirinyaga (UDA): Chege Flasia Nduta replaces Pauline Wairimu Kamau
- Kakamega (ODM): Lucy Kendi Khayadi and Linet Wanga Imbayi replace Phaustine Werimo and Godliver Omondi respectively.
IEBC Reaffirms Inclusivity Mandate
The Commission noted that these changes are in accordance with Section 37 of the Elections Act, the IEBC Act, and Regulations 56B and 26(5) of the Elections General and Party Primaries and Party Lists Regulations.
The adjustments reflect IEBC’s ongoing efforts to uphold proportional representation and increase diversity in governance, particularly for persons with disabilities, youth, women, and minority communities.
“These amendments affirm the Commission’s role in facilitating inclusive governance as envisioned in the Constitution,” the Gazette Notice read.
