The gramma I learnt in my basic schooling informed me that, conjunction “If” constructs conditional sentence. In that vein, and according to Article 259 (4)(a) of Kenya constitution 2010, which I quotes: (a)” If a word or expression is defined in this Constitution, any grammatical variation or cognate expression of the word or expression has a corresponding meaning, read with the changes required by the context; and” end of quote.
In my view, verb “Shall” as used in Article 261 (7) is modal auxiliaries verb, expressing such modalities or meanings as ability, permission, possibilities and obligation which implies a must.
However, conjunction “If” used in the preceding clause (8) of the same Article 261 amends shall’s command sense, for conjunction “If” denotes reservations for the President to consider before dissolving Parliament in order to conform with Article 259 (1) and (c).
Lastly, the spirit of our constitution contemplates minimal elections by requiring deputy President and deputy Governors to finish the term of their bosses should vacancy occurs either by design or default.