NAIROBI, KENYA – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has acknowledged delays in the opening of several polling stations for today’s extensive by-elections, citing logistical and technical challenges. Voting is currently underway on Thursday, 27 November 2025, across 22 electoral areas, including six National Assembly seats, one Senate seat, and numerous county assembly wards. Despite the late start in some locations, the commission has assured the public that measures are in place to ensure a smooth and credible process, including compensating for lost time.

The polls, described as a significant stress test for the electoral system ahead of the 2027 General Election, are being held to fill vacancies arising from deaths, appointments to cabinet, and court nullifications. Key parliamentary races are taking place in Mbeere North, Ugunja, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, and Banissa, alongside a high-stakes senatorial contest in Baringo County.

Logistical Hurdles and IEBC's Response

Reports from various constituencies indicate that polling stations opened later than the scheduled 6:00 AM EAT start time. In Magarini Constituency, Kilifi County, election materials arrived late at several polling stations, according to local media reports. Similar delays were noted in parts of Banissa, Mandera County, where challenging terrain and recent concerns over the late arrival of ballot papers in the country had put the IEBC's logistics to the test. A week prior to the polls, the IEBC had acknowledged potential challenges in delivering materials to remote areas but assured that four-wheel-drive vehicles were secured to navigate difficult terrain.

In a press briefing this morning at the Bomas of Kenya, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon confirmed the delays but stated they were not widespread. "We have experienced some logistical hitches this morning which have delayed the opening of a few polling stations, but I want to assure the nation that our teams on the ground are resolving these issues," Ethekon said at approximately 9:00 AM EAT. "Every voter in the queue by 5:00 PM will be allowed to vote, and where necessary, we will extend the voting time to compensate for the late start."

The commission reiterated its preparedness on Wednesday, November 26, stating that all election materials and personnel had been dispatched and that robust security arrangements were in place, with at least two police officers stationed at every polling centre.

High-Stakes Contests and Political Implications

These by-elections are more than just a procedural exercise; they represent a critical battleground for Kenya’s major political formations. The Mbeere North parliamentary race has intensified into a fierce contest between Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, backing UDA candidate Leonard Muthende, and his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua, who is supporting the Democratic Party's Newton Kariuki. This contest is widely seen as a litmus test for political influence within the vote-rich Mt. Kenya region.

In Kasipul, the ODM party faces a significant challenge as its candidate, Boyd Were, is in a tight race with independent candidate Philip Aroko. The contest has reportedly caused friction within the Homa Bay county leadership. The campaigns in Kasipul were marred by violence, prompting the IEBC's Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee to intervene and issue fines to candidates.

The Baringo Senate race, Ugunja, and Malava constituency polls are also being closely watched as they have implications for regional political alignments ahead of 2027. The vacancies in Ugunja and Mbeere North were created after their respective MPs, Opiyo Wandayi and Geoffrey Ruku, were appointed to the Cabinet.

Voter Turnout and Observer Concerns

As of midday, voter turnout appeared to be low in most areas, a trend often observed in by-elections. In Mumbuni North Ward, Machakos County, the returning officer made a public appeal for voters to participate. The IEBC Chairperson had earlier expressed hope for a 70% turnout across the board.

Election observers, including the Elections Observation Group (ELOG), are on the ground monitoring the process. In the lead-up to the polls, ELOG had raised concerns about public officers engaging in political campaigns, urging the IEBC to enforce neutrality. The integrity of the newly constituted IEBC, led by Chairperson Ethekon, is under intense public scrutiny, with these polls serving as its first major electoral undertaking. The commission has assured the public that results will be transmitted transparently from polling stations and made available on its online portal.

As polling continues, all eyes are on the IEBC to see how it manages the counting, tallying, and announcement of results, particularly in the hotly contested areas. The outcomes are expected to trigger political realignments in both the government and opposition camps.