Tense Atmosphere as Polls Open

By-elections across Kenya were marred by controversy on Thursday, November 27, 2025, with the arrest of a prominent candidate, allegations of widespread voter bribery, and claims of a plot to introduce pre-marked ballot papers. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is conducting polls in 22 electoral areas, including several hotly contested parliamentary seats, which are widely seen as a litmus test for the political strength of the ruling coalition and the opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Polling stations opened at 6:00 AM EAT, with the IEBC assuring voters of adequate security and a smooth process. However, reports of irregularities and violence quickly emerged from key battlegrounds, particularly in the Malava and Mbeere North constituency races.

Arrest and Violence in Malava

In Malava, Kakamega County, the parliamentary candidate for the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K), Seth Panyako, was arrested and detained at Malava Police Station. His party confirmed the arrest via a statement on X (formerly Twitter), claiming it was an act of intimidation. The arrest occurred hours after Panyako reported that his driver and security guard were attacked at his hotel near Kaburengu Junction. Panyako alleged the incidents were part of a government-led plot to assassinate him due to pre-election polls showing him as the frontrunner. DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa condemned the events, accusing the police of enabling violence and calling for the disqualification of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, David Ndakwa.

Bribery Allegations in Mbeere North

Meanwhile, in the Mbeere North by-election in Embu County, tensions flared over accusations of voter bribery. Kiruga Thuku, a Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Chinga Ward in Nyeri County, was reportedly chased from a polling station. Allegations surfaced that Thuku, who was dressed in UDA party colours, was distributing money to influence voters. The incident highlighted the intense nature of the contest, which pits UDA's Leonard Muriuki against the opposition's Newton Karish of the Democratic Party (DP).

Widespread Rigging Claims Surface

The by-elections have been dominated by serious allegations of planned rigging. Opposition figures, including Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, claimed to have knowledge of a scheme to stuff ballots. They alleged that 30,000 pre-marked ballot papers were dispatched to be used in the Malava, Mbeere North, and Magarini by-elections. Prior to his arrest, Seth Panyako had also publicly claimed that 10,000 ballots had been pre-marked in favour of his UDA opponent. These claims have not been independently verified, and FURTHER INVESTIGATION IS REQUIRED.

IEBC and Security Response

In response to the tense environment, the IEBC issued a stern warning against electoral malpractices. In a statement on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the commission cautioned voters against photographing marked ballot papers, stating that anyone caught would be arrested and charged. The IEBC, led by Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, also assured the public that it was working closely with the National Police Service to provide adequate security, with a minimum of two officers deployed to every polling station. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had earlier warned that anyone found loitering near polling stations would be treated as a criminal suspect. Despite these assurances, the day's events have cast a shadow over the credibility of the electoral process, with the final results from the 22 contests now keenly awaited amid heightened political tensions.