NAIROBI, KENYA – The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has secured two Member of County Assembly (MCA) seats in the Rift Valley ahead of the highly anticipated November 27, 2025, by-elections. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared the UDA candidates for Tembelio and Metkei wards as duly elected after no other candidates or parties presented nominees to contest the seats.

In Gazette Notice No. 15732, dated Wednesday, October 29, 2025, and signed by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, the commission announced that Reuben Kigen Tobosei will represent Tembelio Ward in Moiben Constituency, Uasin Gishu County. Philip Kipkosgei Kiprutto was declared the elected MCA for Metkei Ward in Keiyo South Constituency, Elgeyo Marakwet County. The declarations were made under Articles 88 (4) and 177 (1) (a) of the Constitution of Kenya, as well as provisions within the Elections Act.

UDA's Deepening Grip on the Rift Valley

These uncontested victories underscore the UDA's formidable political influence in the Rift Valley, a region widely considered its core political stronghold. The party, led by President William Ruto, performed dominantly in the region during the 2022 General Election, securing a majority of parliamentary and civic seats. The lack of opposition in these two wards suggests a continued consolidation of this support, potentially signaling a challenge for other political formations aiming to make inroads ahead of the 2027 General Election. Political analysts suggest that the absence of competition could be attributed to a strategic decision by opposition parties to conserve resources for more competitive areas, or a reflection of UDA's deep-rooted grassroots mobilization in the region.

The by-elections, scheduled across various constituencies and wards, are seen as a litmus test for the newly reconstituted IEBC and a measure of the current political temperatures in the country. The commission has assured the public of its preparedness to conduct the remaining polls, having secured the necessary funding from the National Treasury after initial concerns about budgetary shortfalls. IEBC Chairperson Ethekon confirmed on Saturday, September 27, 2025, that all logistical and financial arrangements were in place for a smooth electoral process.

Legal Framework for Uncontested Elections

Kenyan electoral law provides for the direct declaration of a winner if only one candidate is validly nominated for an electoral position upon the closure of the nomination period. This provision, outlined in the Elections Act, 2011, allows the IEBC to declare the candidate as duly elected without the need for a poll. This legal framework is designed to save on the costs associated with conducting an election where the outcome is already determined.

The IEBC's notice confirmed that the decision was made after due process confirmed that Tobosei and Kiprutto were the sole validly nominated candidates. “In exercise of the powers conferred by...the Constitution, and the Elections Act, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission makes a declaration of no contest, and the persons listed in the schedule are duly elected for the respective electoral units,” the gazette notice stated.

Broader Political Context

The early wins for UDA come at a time of dynamic political realignments in Kenya. The ruling party has been actively campaigning in other areas with upcoming by-elections, such as Malava constituency, where President Ruto himself has been rallying support for the UDA candidate. These by-elections are the first major electoral test for the IEBC since its new commissioners took office and are being closely watched by all political actors.

While UDA celebrates these victories, opposition parties are also strategizing for the remaining contests. Recent political developments have seen discussions around potential realignments, with some reports even suggesting cooperation between UDA and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in certain by-elections, a claim that highlights the fluid nature of Kenyan politics. For the residents of Tembelio and Metkei, the declaration means they now have new representatives at the county assembly who will assume office without the traditional campaign period and voting day. The focus now shifts to the remaining competitive elections on Thursday, November 27, 2025, which will provide a clearer picture of the national political landscape.