IEBC suspends enhanced voter registration in Ol Kalou after area MP’s death
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, March 30, 2026The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced the suspension of the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise in Ol Kalou Constituency following the death of the area Member of Parliament, David Njuguna Kiaraho.
In a statement on its X handle, the IEBC has confirmed that while speaking during the launch of the enhanced continuous voter registration exercise in Kwale County on Monday, March 30, 2026, the IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethokon confirmed that the commission will not proceed with the exercise in the constituency, citing the legal and procedural requirements that arise after the death of a sitting member of the National Assembly.
“Ethokon noted with regret that following the demise of the Hon. Member of the National Assembly for Olkalou Constituency, the late Hon. David Njuguna Kiaraho, CBS, the Commission will not proceed with the #ECVR2026 and will, upon issuance of the notice of vacancy, gazette the date of the ensuing by‑election,” the IEBC noted in a statement.
Demise of David Kiaraho
Kiaraho died at around 1:20 am on Sunday, March 29, 2026, while undergoing treatment at Nairobi Hospital, following a prolonged illness. He had been in and out of the hospital in recent months, seeking medical attention both locally and abroad.
In an official communication issued by the Speaker, Wetang’ula appointed Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku to chair the funeral preparation committee, with Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau serving as his deputy. The two will work alongside seven other members to coordinate the arrangements, liaise with the family, and plan a befitting send-off.
“In this regard, I have appointed members to the Funeral Preparation Committee to liaise with the family and coordinate a befitting send-off for the late Hon. Kiaraho. The Member will lead the team for Kinangop, the Hon. Kwenya Thuku, MP, assisted by the Member for Nyandarua, the Hon. Faith Gitau, CBS, MP, and seven (7) other Hon. Members,” Wetang’ula stated.
IEBC to announce by-election
In a statement, the Commission expressed regret over the development, noting that preparations for the nationwide voter registration drive had already been finalised. However, the unique circumstances in Ol Kalou necessitated a shift in focus.
Instead, the IEBC indicated that it will move swiftly to initiate the process of filling the vacant parliamentary seat. This will include the formal declaration of the vacancy and the subsequent gazettement of the by-election date, in line with constitutional and electoral laws.
The suspension of the voter registration exercise in the constituency underscores the Commission’s adherence to legal frameworks governing electoral processes, particularly during periods of transition such as the loss of an elected leader.
Residents of Ol Kalou are now expected to await further communication from the Commission regarding the timelines and procedures for the upcoming by-election, which will determine their next representative in the National Assembly.