IEBC Announces Date for Nairobi Gubernatorial By-Election

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced the date for the Nairobi gubernatorial by-election.

Nairobi residents will return to the ballot on February 18th, 2021 to elect their new governor, according to an IEBC gazette notice dated Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020.

IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati asked political parties seeking to participate in the by-election to submit names and nomination dates on or before December 28th. The parties are required to submit the names of their candidate before January 11th.

"Candidates intending to participate in this election as independent candidates shall submit their names and symbols that they intend to use during the by-election for purposes of the nomination of independent candidates to the Commission on or before Monday, December, 28," Chebukati said.

Campaigns will run from 7 am to 6 pm between January 18th and February 15th.

The Nairobi Governor’s seat fell vacant following the impeachment of Mike Sonko by the Nairobi County Assembly with the Senate upholding the removal.

Sonko was axed on four charges including gross violation of the Constitution and other laws, abuse of office, violation of national laws, and lack of mental capacity to run the county government.

On Monday, Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Benson Mutura was sworn-in as the acting Governor.

He will hold the position in an acting capacity as IEBC prepares to conduct a fresh election within 60 days.