The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has officially declared a no contest for Members of the County Assembly for Tembelio and Metkei Wards in the upcoming by-elections scheduled for November 27, 2025.
In a Gazette Notice dated October 29, 2025, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon declared that the UDA party candidates, Reuben Kigen Tobosei for Tembelio Ward in Uasin Gishu County and Philip Kipkosgei Kiprutto for Metkei Ward in Elgeyo Marakwet County, have been duly elected unopposed.
According to the official gazette, Tobosei will represent the Moiben constituency (code 143) under the Tembelio ward (CAW code 0714). In contrast, Kiprutto will represent the Keiyo South constituency (code 150) under the Metkei ward (CAW code 0750). Both candidates are affiliated with the United Democratic Alliance, party code 015.
The official declaration follows the IEBC's dismissal of a similar notice that circulated on social media in late October. On Thursday, October 23, the electoral body flagged a fake notice making similar claims about the two UDA aspirants.
At the time, the IEBC urged Kenyans to disregard the fraudulent notice and advised the public to visit the commission's verified social media accounts and website for accurate information.
The commission stated that any gazette notice circulating online titled "Declaration of No Contest for Members of Tembelio and Metkei Wards in the By-Elections scheduled for 27th November 2025" should be disregarded unless officially verified through their authenticated channels.
However, the legitimate Gazette Notice No. 15732, officially dated October 29, 2025, and signed by the IEBC Chairperson, has now confirmed what the earlier fake notice had claimed, validating the unopposed election of the two UDA candidates.
In a statement on Saturday, November 1, the United Democratic Alliance congratulated the party and the newly elected leaders on this early victory.
"The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has officially declared a no contest for Members of the County Assembly for Tembelio and Metkei Wards in the upcoming by-elections scheduled for 27th November 2025," UDA noted.
The party highlighted that its candidates have been declared duly elected unopposed, marking a significant political win ahead of the broader by-election exercise planned for later this month.
The commission is scheduled to hold by-elections across the country on Thursday, November 27, 2025, covering a total of 17 ward seats for Members of the County Assembly.
The remaining contested wards include Chewani in Tana River, Fafi in Garissa, Mumbuni North in Machakos, Lake Zone and Nanaam in Turkana, Angata Nanyokie in Samburu, Chemundu in Nandi, Narok Town in Narok, Purko in Kajiado, Kisa East in Kakamega, Nyamaiya, Ekerenyo, and Nyanisongo in Nyamira, Kariobangi North in Nairobi, and Kabuchai in Bungoma.
Beyond the MCA positions, IEBC will also conduct by-elections for the Member of Senate seat for Baringo County and six National Assembly seats for Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja constituencies.
The official campaign period for the by-elections commenced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, and will conclude on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM, giving candidates a 28-day window for voter outreach.
During this period, political parties and independent candidates are required to observe the Electoral Code of Conduct to ensure peaceful and credible elections.
The Commission has warned against any acts of intimidation, bribery, or violence, emphasising that such behaviour will attract legal action.
The IEBC has made the published Gazette Notices available to the public through its official website to enhance transparency.
The upcoming mini-polls are expected to draw attention from political observers and parties keen to test their grassroots influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
