Sifuna Slams IEBC Over ‘Two Major Blunders’ Ahead of By-Elections
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has accused the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of making two glaring mistakes barely months after new commissioners were sworn in.
Speaking on Sunday, August 10, Sifuna said the commission’s recent decisions showed a worrying disregard for the Constitution.
“Two back-to-back manifestly flawed decisions by the new IEBC are enough cause for alarm,” he declared.
By-Elections Date ‘Unconstitutional’
Sifuna’s first grievance targeted the IEBC’s set date for the upcoming by-elections.
The commission, led by Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, announced that all pending by-elections would be held on November 27.
“Unless my maths is wrong, November 27th is more than 100 days away,” he pointed out.
The planned elections will happen in two batches.
The first batch will fill vacant MCA seats in wards like Angata Nanyokie (Samburu), Chemundu (Nandi), Chewani (Tana River), Fafi (Garissa), Kariobangi North (Nairobi), Kisa East (Kakamega), Metkei (Elgeyo Marakwet), Mumbuni North (Machakos), Purko (Kajiado), and Tembelio (Uasin Gishu).
The second batch will fill the Baringo Senate seat and MP seats in Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja.
Replacement of Mbadi ‘Against the Law’
Sifuna’s second complaint focused on the replacement of nominated MP John Mbadi.
He accused the IEBC of ignoring the law by appointing Harold Kimuge Kipchumba, who was nominated under the Persons with Disabilities category, instead of the next person in the workers’ category—Mbadi’s original nomination slot.
“When picking Mbadi’s replacement, the commission ignored the law on selecting the next person from the same category in which Mbadi was nominated,” Sifuna lamented.
He stressed that this sets a dangerous precedent for future nominations.
Warning of Growing Concern
Sifuna said these two incidents reveal troubling signs from the new electoral team.
He warned that such actions could erode public trust in Kenya’s electoral process if not corrected immediately.
“The IEBC must be guided by the Constitution at all times,” he urged.
As political temperatures rise ahead of the by-elections, the remarks are expected to spark fresh debate on the commission’s credibility and independence.
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Sifuna Slams IEBC Over ‘Two Major Blunders’ Ahead of By-Elections
