Voters across 22 electoral areas in Kenya are casting their ballots today, Thursday, November 27, 2025, in a series of high-stakes by-elections under a heavy security presence. The government has deployed both uniformed and plainclothes officers to safeguard the process, which has been marred by violent clashes and heightened political tensions in several regions.

The mini-polls are being held to fill one Senate seat in Baringo County, six National Assembly seats, and 15 Member of County Assembly (MCA) wards. The parliamentary contests are in Kasipul, Ugunja, Mbeere North, Malava, Magarini, and Banissa constituencies. These elections are the first major electoral exercise for the newly constituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), led by Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, and are widely viewed as a significant stress test for Kenya's electoral systems and political alignments ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Heightened Security Amid Threats of Violence

The run-up to the polls has been fraught with security concerns, most notably in Homa Bay County's Kasipul constituency, where clashes between rival supporters on November 6, 2025, resulted in two deaths and several injuries. This prompted the IEBC's Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee to fine the two main candidates, Boyd Were (ODM) and Philip Aroko (Independent), KSh 1 million each for their supporters' roles in the violence. Further incidents in Kasipul on November 13 saw three police officers injured after being attacked by goons while pursuing murder suspects.

In response, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen issued a stern warning on Wednesday, November 26, stating that security agencies would adopt a zero-tolerance approach to any attempts to disrupt the peace. Speaking from Kasipul, Murkomen assured voters, particularly women and vulnerable groups, of their safety and warned financiers and perpetrators of violence of severe legal consequences. "I want to warn them we will take stern action against financiers, planners, transporters, and people involved. People intending to intimidate voters or spread fear are potential terrorists," Murkomen stated. He confirmed a heavy police presence in volatile areas and cautioned politicians against mobilizing supporters to unlawfully "protect votes," a role he stressed is exclusively for the National Police Service (NPS). The NPS, in a statement by Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, reiterated its commitment to impartiality and ensuring a peaceful process in close coordination with the IEBC.

A Litmus Test for Political Realignments

Analysts are watching these by-elections closely as they represent a significant political barometer. The contests are seen as a direct showdown between President William Ruto's administration and a newly emerging opposition coalition that includes his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua. The political heat has been particularly intense in Mbeere North, where President Ruto's UDA party and Gachagua's camp have traded accusations of plotting violence and voter intimidation.

The vacancies for these seats arose from a mix of circumstances, including the deaths of incumbents, such as the Baringo Senator and the Banissa MP, court nullifications of 2022 election results, and the appointment of sitting MPs in Ugunja and Mbeere North to cabinet positions.

IEBC Assures of Credible Process

The IEBC has declared its full preparedness for the polls, which commenced at 6:00 a.m. EAT and are scheduled to close at 5:00 p.m. EAT. IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon confirmed on Wednesday that all election materials and personnel were in place. "The Commission has the best experts in election management, and they have meticulously trained the selected Poll Officers. Be firm and do your job as guided by law," Ethekon urged officials in Kasipul. The commission has assured that voters will be identified using the KIEMS kits and that results will be counted and announced at the polling stations to enhance transparency. Initially, 24 by-elections were scheduled, but candidates in Tembelio and Metkei wards were declared duly elected after running unopposed.