Why Lillian Nganga Wants Runners-Up Take Office Instead of By-Elections

Former Machakos First Lady Lillian Nganga has sparked a national conversation with a proposal aimed at reforming Kenya’s electoral process.

In a social media post, she suggested that by-elections should be abolished.

Instead, in the event of an elected leader’s death, the runner-up should automatically take office. This idea has divided public opinion, with many Kenyans weighing in on the issue.

“A thought about the upcoming by-elections. A system where the one who was second in the election takes over when the seat falls vacant would be good. It ensures there is no gap as well as saves resources,” Nganga proposed.

The proposal comes at a time when the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is preparing to hold several by-elections.

The Case for and Against the Proposal

The public's response to Nganga's suggestion has been mixed, with two clear camps emerging. Supporters of the idea argue that it would save the country a significant amount of money.

By-elections are expensive, costing millions of shillings to organise and conduct. Avoiding these costs could free up funds for other development projects.

"It's a good idea, it saves a lot of money," one social media user commented in support of the proposal.

However, many others have raised concerns about the fairness and democratic principles of the suggestion.

They argue that the runner-up may not be the right fit for the job, and that voters should have the chance to choose a new leader.

"What if the winner was a great leader and the runner-up wasn't? The electorate should decide," another comment read.

Other users raised concerns that this proposal, if adopted, will lead to many murders of many leaders in office by the runners-up, who might be obsessed with greed for power.

“Until they start murdering each other left right and centre,” @i_kiprotich stated.

@ItsVincentSigei: “That creates another danger Lillian. Political shedding of blood for the seats to remain vacant due to automatic qualifications by 1st runners up.”

@musyoka_gabriel: “They will finish each other off.”

By-Elections in Context

The by-elections in Kenya are held to fill a vacant elective seat. This can happen due to the death or resignation of the incumbent.

By-elections are often costly and can sometimes be marred by low voter turnout.

According to a 2024 report by the IEBC, the cost of a single by-election can range from 30 to 40 million Kenyan Shillings. This high cost is often a point of contention among citizens.

Last week, IEBC announced that all by-elections will be conducted on November 27, 2025, marking the end of a prolonged period in which some vacant seats had remained without elected leaders for over two years.

In a Gazette notice dated Friday, August 8, IEBC chair Erastus Ethekon listed 16 by-elections for ward seats in counties. 

These include Angata Nanyokie Ward in Samburu County, Chemundu/Kapng’etuny Ward in Nandi County, Chewani Ward in Tana River County, Fafi Ward in Garissa County, Kariobangi North Ward in Nairobi City County, Kisa East Ward in Kakamega County, Metkei Ward in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

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Others are Mumbuni North Ward in Machakos County, Narok Town Ward in Narok County, Purko Ward in Kajiado County, Tembelio Ward in Uasin Gishu County, Nyansiongo, Nyamaiya, Ekerenyo Wards in Nyamira County, Lake Zone and Nanaam Wards in Turkana County. 

He added that other by-elections, including those for the Baringo Senate seat, MPs for Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, Ugunja, and the MCA seat for Kabuchai, would be gazetted on Monday, August 11.