IEBC dismisses fake gazette notice on Tembelio and Metkei by-elections
By Faith Lagat, October 24, 2025The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cautioned the public against a fake Gazette Notice circulating online, purporting to declare winners in two upcoming ward by-elections.
In a statement posted on X on October 23, 2025, the IEBC described the document titled “Declaration of No Contest for Members of Tembelio and Metkei Wards in the By-Elections scheduled for 27th November 2025” as fake.
The Commission advised Kenyans to disregard the notice and rely solely on verified updates shared through its official website and social media accounts.
The falsified notice, which cited sections of the Constitution of Kenya, the IEBC Act (No. 9 of 2011), the Elections Act (No. 24 of 2011), and the Elections (General) Regulations, 2012, claimed that there was no contest in the Tembelio and Metkei ward by-elections. It listed Reuben Tobosei and Philip Kiprutto as duly elected Members of County Assembly (MCAs) under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
“Declaration of No Contest for Members of Tembelio and Metkei Wards in the By-Elections scheduled for 27th November 2025” is fake. The Commission advises the public to disregard it,” read the notice in part.
The document, dated November 23, 2025, and bearing the name of IEBC Chairman Erastus Edung’ethekon, was branded with a red “FAKE” watermark by the Commission.
Context of the upcoming by-elections
The fake notice surfaced as preparations continue for the November 27, 2025, by-elections in multiple wards across the country. In Elgeyo Marakwet County, the Metkei Ward by-election was triggered by the election of former MCA Lawi Kibire as Speaker of the County Assembly.
The UDA party conducted its primaries for Metkei Ward on September 20, 2025, using an electronic voting system. The exercise recorded a low voter turnout of about 40 per cent by midday, according to a People Daily spot-check. The ward, which has 18 polling stations, saw six aspirants, Nancy Jeruto Barsulai, Daniel Chirchir, Victor Mutai, Peter Kipchirchir, Stephen Kiprotich, and Philip Kipkosgei Kiprutto vie for the party ticket.
Calls for accuracy and vigilance
During the primaries, Kibire, who voted at Kabirbirsus Primary School, praised the efficiency of the electronic voting system, suggesting future biometric improvements. Several residents commended the system’s transparency, while Barsulai expressed confidence in the process.
The Commission emphasised the importance of relying on credible information as the country heads toward the scheduled polls.