The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has finalized extensive security arrangements for the Magarini constituency by-election scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025, deploying a significant number of police officers to safeguard the electoral process amid heightened political tensions. This assurance comes as voters prepare to elect a new Member of Parliament in a race keenly watched both locally and nationally.

IEBC Commissioner Dr. Alutalala Mukhwana confirmed on Tuesday, November 25, that both uniformed and plainclothes officers will be stationed across the constituency's 193 polling stations to prevent disruptions. "These elections are a competition, tensions must rise, they already have, but in terms of security, the arrangements we have put in place ensure there is sufficient safety," Mukhwana stated, emphasizing the involvement of all national security organs.

Heightened Security Measures

The National Police Service (NPS) has committed to a "robust, multi-faceted security plan" developed in coordination with the IEBC. According to Magarini Returning Officer Joseph Mwafondo, each polling station will be guarded by at least two police officers. A further 50 officers, including a rapid response unit, will secure the main tallying centre at Mapimo Primary School. "We also have plainclothes police officers to ensure that the exercise is as peaceful as possible. Anyone who thinks of starting violence should think twice," Mwafondo warned on Wednesday, November 26.

These measures are part of a broader national effort to secure by-elections happening in 22 electoral areas across the country. The NPS has reiterated its commitment to impartiality and has warned that it will act firmly against any attempts to cause violence, incite hatred, or disrupt public order.

A High-Stakes Contest

The Magarini by-election was necessitated by a Supreme Court ruling that nullified the August 2022 election victory of Harrison Kombe of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The petition was filed by Stanley Kenga, then of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), who lost by a narrow margin of just 21 votes. The court found evidence of electoral irregularities, including ballot stuffing.

The contest has attracted national attention due to shifting political alliances. Kombe is re-contesting on an ODM ticket, this time with the backing of President William Ruto's UDA party as part of a "broad-based government" cooperation. His main challenger, Stanley Kenga, has moved to the newly formed Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The race is seen as a significant political test for both the UDA-ODM alliance and the new opposition fronted by Gachagua.

Allegations and Electoral Integrity

The campaign period has been marked by sharp rhetoric and allegations of potential malpractice. On November 24, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua wrote to the IEBC, accusing its Vice Chairperson, Fahima Araphat Abdallah, of interference and attempting to influence the poll's outcome. The IEBC has since dismissed these allegations, assuring all stakeholders that the election will be conducted with full integrity and transparency. The commission clarified that all poll officials are undergoing training and have been instructed to act impartially.

Returning Officer Mwafondo also issued a stern warning to presiding officers against colluding with politicians and cautioned voters against electoral offenses, such as photographing their marked ballot papers in exchange for rewards. "We have instructed presiding officers to make sure that no one enters the voting booth with a phone or takes photos of their voting outcome, as this is a punishable offence," he said.

For the residents of Magarini, an area facing challenges such as land disputes, lack of clean water, and food insecurity, the election offers a chance to end a prolonged period without parliamentary representation and to choose a leader to address these pressing local issues.