Seven new lawmakers officially joined Kenya's bicameral Parliament on Tuesday, taking their oaths of office in ceremonies presided over by the speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate. The event marks the formal conclusion of recent by-elections that have altered local representation and served as a crucial test of political strength for the nation's leading parties.

The swearing-in of six Members of the National Assembly and one Senator fills vacancies created by deaths, a court nullification, and cabinet appointments. For the constituents of Baringo, Magarini, Banissa, Kasipul, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja, this moment transitions them from campaign-period promises to the hard work of legislative representation and oversight.

A New Political Map Emerges

In the National Assembly, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula administered the oath to the new members, noting that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had officially gazetted the winners. The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and its broad-based government partner, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), emerged as the dominant forces, winning all seven parliamentary seats.

The newly sworn-in legislators are:

• Kiprono Cheburet Chemitei (UDA), Senator for Baringo
• Harrison Garama Kombe (ODM), MP for Magarini
• Ahmed Maalim Hassan (UDA), MP for Banissa
• Boyd Were Ongondo (ODM), MP for Kasipul
• David Athman Ndakwa (UDA), MP for Malava
• Leo Wa Muthende Njeru (UDA), MP for Mbeere North
• Moses Okoth Omondi (ODM), MP for Ugunja

The results signal a consolidation of power for the ruling alliance, with ODM reaffirming its dominance in its traditional strongholds of Nyanza and the Coast. The UDA victories, particularly in Malava and Mbeere North, are seen as significant inroads into contested regions ahead of the 2027 general election.

From Campaigns to Governance

The by-elections were triggered by a variety of circumstances. The Baringo senatorial seat became vacant following the death of Senator William Cheptumo in February 2025 after an illness. President William Ruto mourned Cheptumo as a "progressive leader dedicated to public service." Other vacancies arose from the deaths of MPs in Banissa and Malava, the appointment of Ugunja's MP to a cabinet post, and a Supreme Court nullification of the 2022 Magarini election result.

With the oaths taken, the focus now shifts to the legislators' primary duties: representing their constituents, deliberating on national issues, and providing oversight of government functions. In the Senate, Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot welcomed Senator Chemitei, expressing confidence that the people of Baringo had made the right choice. He emphasized the crucial role young leaders play in ensuring the success of devolution, a key function of the Senate which is tasked with protecting the interests of county governments.

For the citizens in these seven regions, the arrival of new representation in Parliament is a moment of renewed hope. Their new leaders are now tasked with articulating local needs on the national stage, from securing development projects to ensuring their voices are heard in the legislative process that shapes the future of Kenya.