BY ANGELA R. KIURA
Residents of Mbeere North Constituency have welcomed the return of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), expressing hope that the long-awaited parliamentary by-election will now proceed.
The constituency has remained unrepresented in the National Assembly since March 26, 2025, when former MP Geoffrey Ruku was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Public Service by President William Ruto.
Locals, particularly from Muminji Ward, voiced frustrations over stalled development projects, citing a lack of leadership and government engagement.
“We’ve missed out on key services like electricity and road upgrades. We need an MP who can speak for us,” said Nicholas Muturi, a resident of Muminji.
They also called on the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to back a candidate from Muminji Ward, arguing the area has been historically overlooked.
“No MP has ever come from Muminji. It’s time we had one of our own,” said Ken Murithi.
The vacant seat has drawn interest from several potential candidates, including Muminji MCA Newton Karish, Evurore MCA Dan Mbui, and Embu County Assembly Speaker Josiah Thiriku.
Their bids could trigger further by-elections in their respective offices.
The IEBC was fully reconstituted on July 19, 2025, with the swearing-in of seven new commissioners led by Chairperson Erastus Ethekon.
The team now faces the task of organizing 22 pending by-elections nationwide — six parliamentary, one senatorial, and 15 for county assemblies.
Ethekon assured the public that the commission is prepared to deliver transparent and lawful elections.
“By-elections are a priority. We are ready to deliver credible processes,” he said.
The IEBC is also expected to begin mass voter registration, verification, and boundary reviews ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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