Wetangula writes to IEBC declaring Kandara, Garissa Township MP seats vacant
The Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula wrote to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declaring vacancies in the Garissa Township and Kandara
constituencies.
Wetangula gazetted Kandara and Garissa Township Member of Parliament (MP) seats as vacant on October 27, 2022.
The two vacancies were occasioned by the resignation of Adan Duale and Alice Wahome who were sworn in as Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) for Defence and Water, Sanitation and Irrigation respectively.
The Speaker submitted to the Government Printer for gazettement a notice to the general public and for information indicating that the two vacancies have arisen with effect from October 26, 2022 - the day the Cabinet was gazetted by the President after being approved by the House.
Constitution
The constitution mandates the Speaker to issue writs declaring a vacancy in the constituency within 21 days of occurrence by giving a notice in writing to IEBC with the by-elections to be held within 90 days of the occurrence of vacancy.
The Kenyan constitution bars all State officers (including CSs) from holding political offices - in such case being sitting MPs, MCAs etc.
Wahome tabled her resignation on Wednesday, October 26. Equally, Duale stepped down as Garissa Township MP after landing an appointment as Defence CS.
Duale was to serve his fourth term as MP when William Ruto appointed him Defence CS upon being elected as President.
