Voters in 22 constituencies and wards across Kenya head to the polls today, Thursday, 27 November 2025, in a series of by-elections that are widely seen as a critical referendum on the credibility of the newly constituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The mini-polls, which come at a time of heightened political tension, are shadowed by persistent claims of voter bribery and concerns over the impartiality of security forces, placing the electoral body under intense public scrutiny.

The elections are the first major undertaking for the commission chaired by Erastus Ethekon, who assumed office in July 2025. Analysts and political stakeholders are watching closely to see if the new team can deliver a transparent and efficient process, thereby restoring public confidence that has been eroded in previous electoral cycles. In a press briefing on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, Chairperson Ethekon assured the nation that the commission is fully prepared for a smooth, secure, and transparent process, stating that all logistical arrangements, including the dispatch of election materials and personnel, were complete. "We have put in place all necessary measures to guarantee free, fair, and credible by-elections," Ethekon stated.

A Political Barometer for 2027

Beyond testing the IEBC, these by-elections serve as a significant political barometer, offering a glimpse into the shifting allegiances and political clout of the country's main formations—President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the opposition—less than two years before the next general election. The outcomes are expected to influence strategic alliances and recalibrate campaign strategies for 2027. The most hotly contested seats, such as the Mbeere North and Malava parliamentary races, have become national battlegrounds, attracting senior political figures from both sides of the aisle.

The campaigns leading up to today's vote have been marred by accusations of electoral malpractice. Opposition figures have alleged a systematic plot by the ruling coalition to engage in voter bribery, with claims of voters being offered up to KSh 5,000 to photograph their marked ballots. On November 25, Seth Panyako, a candidate in the Malava by-election, publicly accused the government of voter intimidation and plans to introduce pre-marked ballot papers. Similarly, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on November 24 accused IEBC Vice Chairperson Fahima Abdallah of attempting to interfere with the selection of polling officials in Magarini constituency, a claim that puts the commission's internal integrity under the spotlight.

Security and Integrity Measures

In response to these concerns, the IEBC and national security agencies have pledged to uphold the integrity of the vote. IEBC Chairperson Ethekon issued a stern warning against attempts to disrupt the tallying process, stating that only accredited individuals would be allowed in tallying centres and that candidates arriving with supporters or "goons" would not be tolerated. The National Police Service, in collaboration with the IEBC, has deployed additional security personnel to all polling stations and tallying centres, particularly in areas flagged as potential hotspots. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithumba Murkomen on Wednesday confirmed that security agencies had received intelligence on plans to transport disruptive groups to polling areas and issued a stern warning against such actions.

The commission has detailed its results management plan, emphasizing that all counting will happen at the polling station in full view of agents and observers. To enhance transparency, agents will be permitted to photograph the official result forms, which will also be publicly posted at each station before being transmitted to the constituency tallying centres. Despite these assurances, civil society groups like the Elections Observation Group (ELOG) have called for heightened vigilance from all stakeholders to safeguard the democratic process.

The cost of conducting these 22 by-elections is estimated at KSh 700 million, a figure that IEBC Commissioner Ann Nderitu said reflects the high cost of managing trust in Kenya's electoral process, including significant investments in secure ballot papers and technology. As polls open at 6:00 AM EAT and close at 5:00 PM EAT, the performance of the IEBC today will not only determine local leadership in these areas but will also significantly shape the public's perception of its capacity to manage the high-stakes 2027 General Election.