NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has formally declared a vacancy in the Ol Kalou parliamentary seat following the death of area Member of Parliament David Junguna Kiaraho.
A special issue of the Kenya Gazette dated April 20, 2026, confirms the development, setting in motion the constitutional process for a by-election.
According to the notice issued under the authority of the Constitution of Kenya and the Elections Act (Cap. 7), the seat became vacant following Junguna Kiaraho’s death on March 29, 2026.
“Pursuant to the provisions of Articles 101 (4) (a) and 103 (1) (a) of the Constitution and section 16 (3) of the Elections Act, it is notified for general information of the public that the seat of the Member of the National Assembly for Ol Kalou Constituency… has become vacant,” the notice states.
The declaration was signed by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
Under Article 101 of the Constitution, a by-election must be held within 90 days of the occurrence of a vacancy in the National Assembly, unless the seat falls vacant within 12 months to a general election.
The notice effectively triggers the mandate of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to prepare for a by-election in Ol Kalou Constituency.
Kiaraho’s death has created a political opening in the coastal constituency, with parties expected to begin internal processes to identify candidates once the IEBC announces the election timetable.
Beyond the political implications, the development underscores the constitutional framework governing representation and continuity in Kenya’s legislative bodies, ensuring that constituents are not left without representation for extended periods.
