Residents across several regions, lacking representation in county assemblies and the National Assembly, are devising strategies to ensure their voices are heard amidst governmental delays. The reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has faced significant delays, stalling plans to fill vacant seats left by deceased or legally ousted leaders.
In numerous wards, counties are in the midst of developing their budgets for the 2024/2025 financial year. However, residents are increasingly anxious that their interests may not be adequately addressed due to the absence of their elected representatives. This situation is particularly acute in Banissa and Magarini constituencies, alongside four other wards awaiting IEBC intervention. Furthermore, the gazettement of several nominated Members of County Assembly (MCAs) remains pending, exacerbating the representation vacuum.
Banissa, located in Mandera County, has been without representation since the tragic death of its legislator, Kulow Hassan. Hassan was killed in a motorbike accident on March 25 last year in South B, Nairobi. The judiciary, through Justices Smokin Wanjala, Njoki Ndung’u, and Mohamed Ibrahim, has mandated the IEBC to declare the seat vacant and facilitate an election. This directive has thrown Banissa’s electorate into a state of uncertainty, echoing the challenges faced by many electoral units in Kenya.
Similarly, the electorate in Magarini faces prolonged representation gaps, a scenario shared by several other regions nationwide. The situation has persisted for nearly two years, underscoring the critical need for timely electoral processes to uphold democratic governance and community representation.
Compounding the problem is the IEBC’s operational paralysis following the retirement of key officials. Chairman Wafula Chebukati, along with commissioners Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu, retired on January 17, leaving the commission without a functional leadership structure. This leadership vacuum has significantly delayed the scheduling and conduct of mini polls, leaving many constituencies and wards in limbo.
In response to the delays, residents and local leaders are exploring temporary solutions to ensure their needs are met in the ongoing budget development process. Community forums, local advocacy groups, and provisional representatives are being considered as potential stopgap measures to bridge the representation gap until formal elections can be conducted.
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