National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi on Wednesday declared the Kibra Member of Parliament (MP) seat vacant.
Speaker Muturi invoked Section 16 (3) of the Elections Act which now paves way for a by-election.
“For Kibra Constituency, whereas a vacancy has risen in the office of a Member of the National Assembly in respect of the above mentioned constituency.”
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is therefore expected to conduct a by-election.
“Now, therefore, in pursuance of the provisions of section 16(3) of the Election Act, 2011. I command you that, due notice be given, you do cause election to be held according to law of a member to serve in the National Assembly for the said constituency.”
The Kibra seat became vacant after the sudden demise of MP Ken Okoth who was battling colorectal cancer.
Several politicians have expressed interest in the seat setting a scene of a fierce competition.
Okoth’s brother Imran and Okoth’s wife Monica are said to eye the seat and will be contesting for it. Eliud Owalo, Raila’s former aide, former Kibra CDF chair Ketta Onyango and Sarang’ombe MCA Pius K’Otieno have been tipped to vie. Former Kasarani MP Elizabeth Ongoro is also set to join the race.
However, all eyes are now turned to the ODM party to see if succession of the seat will be from Okoth’s family as it has been as a norm.
