NAIROBI – Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a direct and stern warning to its polling officials to uphold integrity, cautioning that any breach of the electoral code will be met with severe consequences under a new, stricter legal framework. The warning comes just days before 24 by-elections scheduled for Thursday, 27 November 2025, which are widely seen as a significant test for the newly constituted commission and a bellwether for the 2027 General Election.

During an oath-taking ceremony for polling clerks in Malava Constituency on Monday, 24 November 2025, IEBC Commissioner Mary Karen Sorobit explicitly urged the electoral staff to perform their duties with diligence and integrity. She emphasized that a clear voting procedure must be strictly followed and reminded the officials of their Oath of Secrecy, underscoring the legal and ethical obligations binding them. This direct address to on-the-ground staff highlights the commission's focus on preventing malpractice at the most fundamental level of the voting process.

New Law Adds Teeth to Warnings

The commission's warnings are backed by the recently enacted Election Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2024, passed by Parliament in August 2025. This law introduces tough penalties specifically targeting electoral officials who engage in misconduct. Under the amended act, offences such as unreasonably delaying the declaration of results, knowingly altering declared results, tampering with election materials, or colluding with a candidate can lead to a fine of up to KSh 5 million, a jail term of up to five years, or both. This legislation was developed from recommendations by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) to seal loopholes that have previously undermined public trust in the electoral system.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has publicly supported these stricter measures, stating in a mid-November interview that the commission advocated for the amendments to enhance penalties for those who disrupt the electoral process. The commission has repeatedly assured the public and political parties that all its officials have been trained on the new legal requirements and are expected to operate with impartiality, free from any political influence.

High-Stakes Polls Amid Rising Tensions

The by-elections will fill vacancies for one Senator in Baringo County, six Members of the National Assembly, and 17 Members of County Assembly (MCAs) across the country. These vacancies arose from various causes, including deaths, appointments to state offices, and court-ordered nullifications. The polls are the first major undertaking for the new commission led by Chairperson Ethekon, who was appointed in mid-2025, and are seen as a crucial test of its capacity to manage a complex electoral process.

The political environment is charged, with contests in several areas escalating into fierce competitions between President William Ruto's administration and a newly emerging opposition alliance. Flashpoints of violence and intimidation have been reported, particularly in Kasipul and Mbeere North constituencies. In Kasipul, deadly clashes between rival supporters led the IEBC's Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee to intervene and impose fines. In Mbeere North, allegations of a plot to disrupt voting have prompted heightened security measures.

In response to these tensions and specific allegations of planned rigging in Magarini, the IEBC has worked to reassure stakeholders of its preparedness. The commission confirmed that security agencies have mapped potential flashpoints and will deploy both uniformed and plain-clothed officers to ensure order. IEBC Commissioner Dr. Alutalala Mukhwana, speaking in Tana River County on Monday, stated, “Our responsibility is to ensure no Kenyan is harmed in the process of choosing their leaders.” The logistical operation is also in its final stages, with the dispatch of ballot papers and other sensitive materials to the 24 electoral areas completed under tight security.

As campaigns officially concluded on Monday, 24 November 2025, at 6:00 p.m. EAT, all eyes are on the IEBC and its officials. Their conduct on Thursday will not only determine the legitimacy of these 24 contests but will also significantly shape public confidence in Kenya's democratic processes ahead of the 2027 national polls.