IEBC Defends Party List Re-Allocation Amid ODM Protests Over Mbadi’s Replacement

Last Updated on July 30, 2025 by Turkana County News Online

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a public clarification dismissing claims by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) that the recent re-allocation of a party list seat vacated by Hon. John Mbadi was unlawful and lacked procedural merit.

In a press release dated 30th July 2025, the IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon addressed growing public discourse around the issue, emphasizing its commitment to fairness, the rule of law, and constitutional integrity.

ODM had accused the Commission of irregularly re-allocating the seat, sparking public concern and political debate. However, the IEBC clarified that the process followed was fully compliant with the law.

“The party list used by the Commission was submitted by ODM on 23rd July 2022, published in newspapers on 27th July 2022, and uploaded to the IEBC website,” the Commission stated.

Citing Section 37 of the Elections Act and Regulation 56B of the Elections (General) Regulations 2012, the IEBC noted that a vacant party list seat must be filled by the next qualified nominee, based on gender and order of priority, as originally submitted by the party.

In this case, Mr. Harold Kimuge Kipchumba, the next eligible nominee and of the same gender as Hon. Mbadi, was appointed in line with the law.

The IEBC reaffirmed this position in its formal response to ODM dated 28th July 2025. To further promote transparency, the Commission has shared a redacted version of the original ODM party list submitted in 2022, in compliance with the Data Protection Act.

The IEBC’s move appears aimed at quelling controversy while reinforcing its legal footing in handling party list vacancies.