Political Stakes in Nyamira ahead of By-elections

BY ERIC ABUGA

Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo (Courtesy)

Voters in Ekerenyo, Nyamaiya and Nyansiongo Wards in Nyamira County will be going to the ballot to elect their respective representatives following IEBC’s announcement of the election date.

Monday, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission announced November 27, 2025 as the date for the slated by-elections.

Baringo County electorates will be electing their Senate while voters from six Constituencies will be seeking to have their representatives at the National Assembly.

Kenyans from across 17 Wards will be electing their County Assembly representatives.

These include Angata Nanyokie Ward in Samburu County, Chemundu/Kapng’etuny Ward in Nandi County, Chewani Ward in Tana River County, Fafi Ward in Garissa County, Kariobangi North Ward in Nairobi City County, Kisa East Ward in Kakamega County, Metkei Ward in Elgeyo Marakwet County. 

Others are Mumbuni North Ward in Machakos County, Narok Town Ward in Narok County, Purko Ward in Kajiado County, Tembelio Ward in Uasin Gishu County, Lake Zone and Nanaam Wards in Turkana County. 

Public officers intending to vie in the by-elections have been reminded to resign from public office within seven days of the notice in line with the Elections Regulations, 2012.

“Candidates intending to participate in the by-elections as independent candidates shall not have been members of any political party at least three months immediately before the date of the by-elections,” IEBC stated.

In Nyamaiya, the MCA died through a tragic road accident in August 2023 along the Maai Mahiu-Naivasha road. He was travelling to Nairobi alongside two other MCAs who survived the accident.

February 2023, Nyamira Court nullified the election of Dennis Kebaso as Nyansiongo MCA, citing manipulation of election results that led to his declaration as winner.

This is after three petitioners convinced the court that the elections were not free and fair besides being marred by irregularities.

Former Nyansiongo Ward MCA Denis Kebaso (Courtesy)

December 2024, Thaddeus Nyabaro was elected as the Speaker of the Nyamira County Assembly, securing 22 votes against his sole challenger, Chrisantals Nyabera, who received zero votes.

The election followed the impeachment of former Speaker Enock Okero, who was removed from office over allegations of gross misconduct and violation of the Constitution.

Nyabaro had resigned from his position as MCA for Ekerenyo Ward to contest for the Speaker's seat. He was serving his third term.

The three by-elections could trier political rivalry in the area with the region gearing up for a spot in the Country’s 2027 presidential race through former Chief Justice David Maraga and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiangi.

The two leaders are expected to have a say in the three by-elections as a way of testing their political influence in the region hat is realigning itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.

South Mugirango MP and National Assembly Majority Chief Whip Silvanus Osoro said the ruling party UDA will field candidates for the three by-elections. “We will have our people. He party remains strong.”

National Assembly Majority Chief Whip Silvanus Osoro (Courtesy)

Nyansiongo Ward is a stone throw away from Dr Matiangi’s home while Maraga will hails from West Mugirango home to the people of Nyamaiya Ward.

Other than the cosmopolitan Nyansiongo Ward, the Nyamaiya and Ekerenyo contests will largely be won on clan based politics.

Both Speaker Nyabaro and Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo come from North Mugirango where Ekerenyo is listed as among the five Wards.

Area MP Joash Nyamoko who had previously served as the Nyamira County Assembly Speaker could likely play a vital role in the election.

Former Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiangi (courtesy)

A source within ODM hinted that the party may prefer to field candidates in two specific Wards in the County.

The party has been losing it long held popularity in the region after the formation of the broad-based government.

Some of the ODM elected leaders from the region including Senator Okongo Omogeni and Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo openly declaring their support for Dr Fred Matiangi.

On Monday, while attending a funeral service in Kisii’s Nyaribari Chache, Gisaro and Okongo said they will support Matiangi’s presidential bid.

“We have been supporting someone from the Lake, it is time to come back home and support our own. The Community is ripe for the Country’s top leadership.”

Nyamira Senator Okongo Omogeni (Courtesy)

The party’s National Treasurer Timothy Bosire is also rumored to be on his way out with sources saying he has joined other powerful forces from the region to form a formidable political vehicle.

The creation of Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) will also be a litmus test for the major political parties in the upcoming mini-polls.

Already the party leader Rigathi Gachagua is gearing up for a visit to Gusii region upon his return from the USA tour. The trip had early been scheduled for June 2025.