NAIROBI, Kenya – Voting commenced at 6:00 a.m. East Africa Time on Thursday, November 27, 2025, in 24 electoral areas across Kenya for a series of high-stakes by-elections to fill one Senate seat, six National Assembly positions, and 17 Member of County Assembly (MCA) wards. The mini-polls are being closely watched as they represent the first significant electoral test for the newly constituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and are widely viewed as a political barometer for the ruling coalition and the opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The elections are proceeding under a heavy security presence, with the National Police Service (NPS) deploying both uniformed and plainclothes officers to all polling stations, transit routes, and tallying centres to ensure a peaceful process. Speaking in Kasipul on Wednesday, November 26, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen issued a stern warning against political interference, stating that the responsibility for securing the vote rests solely with the state. "No civilian has been given the responsibility to protect any vote," Murkomen affirmed, cautioning politicians against mobilizing supporters to loiter at polling stations under the guise of 'protecting votes'. The NPS, in a statement by spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, reiterated its commitment to impartiality and professionalism throughout the exercise.

A Litmus Test for a New Commission

These by-elections place the new electoral commission, led by Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, under intense public scrutiny. The commission, which assumed office in July 2025, is tasked with restoring public confidence in an institution historically marred by mistrust. In multiple briefings, Ethekon has assured the nation of the IEBC's preparedness and independence. "The Commission has put in place all necessary measures to guarantee free, fair, and credible by-elections," Ethekon stated on Tuesday, November 25, confirming that all logistical arrangements, including the distribution of ballot papers and KIEMS kits, were finalized. He emphasized that the commission would not be swayed by political pressure, stating, "We are free from influence—from the President to the sweepers. We will safeguard our mandate."

Key Races and Reasons for Polls

The by-elections were necessitated by a combination of factors, including deaths of incumbents, court-ordered nullifications, and appointments to state office. The key contests include:

• Baringo County: A senatorial by-election to replace Senator William Cheptumo, who passed away on February 16, 2025.
• National Assembly Seats: Six constituencies are electing new Members of Parliament. In Banissa, the seat fell vacant after the death of MP Kullow Hassan. The Magarini poll was ordered by the Supreme Court, which nullified the previous election result. In Ugunja and Mbeere North, vacancies arose after MPs Opiyo Wandayi and Geoffrey Ruku were appointed to the Cabinet, respectively. By-elections are also being held in Kasipul and Malava.
• MCA Wards: Seventeen wards are holding elections across 13 counties, including Nairobi, Kakamega, Nyamira, and Turkana. Two additional wards, Metkei in Elgeyo Marakwet and Tembelio in Uasin Gishu, had their candidates elected unopposed.

The campaign period, which concluded on Monday, November 24, was marked by intense political activity and isolated incidents of violence, most notably in Kasipul constituency, where clashes between rival supporters resulted in two deaths, prompting the IEBC to impose fines on the candidates involved. Polling stations are scheduled to close at 5:00 p.m. EAT, with provisions to extend time in any station that opened late. Details on voter turnout and specific incidents from polling day are still emerging. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED.