KABARNET, Kenya - Voting in the Baringo County senatorial by-election commenced smoothly at 6:00 a.m. EAT on Thursday, November 27, 2025, with no major incidents reported across the 1,029 polling stations. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) confirmed that all election materials were distributed on time, setting the stage for 281,053 registered voters to elect their new senator.

The by-election was occasioned by the death of Senator William Cheptumo on February 15, 2025. The contest is largely seen as a political showdown between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Kenya African National Union (KANU).

Key Contenders and Political Landscape

The race has attracted six candidates, but it is widely viewed as a two-horse race between Vincent Kiprono Chemitei of the UDA party and KANU's national chairman, Gideon Moi. Chemitei, 31, secured the UDA ticket after winning the party primaries with 48,791 votes. His candidacy received a significant boost with an endorsement from President William Ruto. Moi, a former senator for Baringo, is seeking to recapture the seat he lost to the late Cheptumo in the 2022 general election. His entry into the race sets the stage for a renewed political rivalry with President Ruto in the vote-rich Rift Valley region.

Other candidates in the race include Benjamin Chebon of The New Democrats, Shadrack Kibet Kaplawat of the Alliance for Real Change, Steve David Kipruto of the Republican Liberty Party, and Samuel Letasio of the Kenya Moja Movement.

Electoral Preparedness and Security

The IEBC has assured Kenyans of its readiness to conduct a free, fair, and credible election. IEBC Chief Executive Officer Marjan Hussein stated that all polling officials have been trained and deployed. Baringo County Returning Officer John Mwangi confirmed that all necessary logistical arrangements, including for areas affected by flooding in Baringo South, have been made.

Security has been heightened across the county to ensure a peaceful process. Baringo County Commissioner Stephen Kutwa affirmed that adequate security personnel have been deployed to all polling stations and patrol teams are monitoring the situation. The National Police Service (NPS) has also assured voters of their safety, with at least two police officers stationed at each polling center. This by-election is one of 24 being held across the country on the same day, which are collectively seen as a significant test for Kenya's electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Voter Turnout and Expectations

Initial reports indicated a low voter turnout in the early hours of voting, a trend that was also observed during the UDA party primaries in September. However, queues were seen forming in an orderly manner at various polling stations as the day progressed. The IEBC and political stakeholders have urged residents to come out and exercise their democratic right. The outcome of this by-election is expected to have significant implications for the political dynamics in Baringo County and the wider Rift Valley region.