The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced the reallocation of ten vacant seats through party lists, including that held by then-ODM Nominated MP John Mbadi, who now serves as Treasury Cabinet Secretary in the Ruto administration.

In a press release issued Friday by its chairperson, Erastus Ethekon, the Commission stated it had reallocated one special seat in the National Assembly and nine seats in various County Assemblies.

"...the Commission has re-allocated one (1) special seat in the National Assembly and nine (9) special seats in various County Assemblies, following declarations of vacancies by the respective Speakers. These vacancies arose due to the resignation or death of the former members," reads the notice.

The reallocations were officially gazetted on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

Former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Nominated MP Mbadi is set to be replaced by Harold Kimuge Kipchumba in the National Assembly.

Kipchumba will take over the seat under the Persons with Disability category, as part of the party-list nomination process.

Mbadi, who had been nominated under the workers category in 2022 by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), vacated his parliamentary seat earlier this year upon his appointment as Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury.

IEBC states that the reallocations align with Article 90 of the Constitution.

"The Commission is mandated to conduct elections based on proportional representation through the use of party lists, in accordance with Article 90 of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 37(1) of the Elections Act, Cap 7," said IEBC.

"The allocation of seats is carried out based on the priority in which nominees were listed by their respective political parties, as submitted during the 2022 General Election."

County assemblies whose seats have been reallocated are Garissa, Muran'ga, Kiambu, Taita Taveta, Makueni, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga and Kakamega.

The reallocations are part of IEBC’s mandate to ensure proportional representation of marginalized groups in Parliament through party lists.

“The Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and transparency in the electoral process,” the statement read.

“By ensuring strict adherence to the law, we continue to promote equitable representation and safeguard the integrity of our democratic institutions.”