The Kariobangi North Ward by-election on Thursday, November 27, 2025, was characterized by low voter participation and serious allegations of bribery and intimidation, casting a shadow over the electoral process. The voting exercise, which commenced at 6:00 AM EAT, saw a minimal number of residents turn out to cast their ballots across the ward's five polling centers, despite a heavy police presence ensuring a generally peaceful environment. This by-election is one of 24 being held concurrently across the country, including six constituency-level polls, one senatorial race in Baringo, and 17 ward elections.

Multiple candidates and political figures raised concerns about the electoral malpractices. ODM candidate Michael Ouma Majua, after casting his vote at Kariobangi North Primary School, acknowledged the low turnout, suggesting that many voters opted to go to work and might vote later in the evening. He also pointed to "minor cases of voter bribery here and there," expressing hope that the situation would not escalate. Similarly, David Warui Wanyoike of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) attributed the low turnout to voter fear, citing rumors of goons being deployed by certain Nairobi leaders to intimidate residents.

These allegations are consistent with broader concerns raised by the United Opposition coalition in the lead-up to the by-elections. On November 21, 2025, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka accused the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration of orchestrating a widespread voter bribery scheme, claiming they had evidence of agents offering up to KSh 5,000 for voters to photograph their marked ballots. The opposition has called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to investigate these claims and educate voters on polling station regulations to safeguard the integrity of the vote.

The newly constituted IEBC, under the leadership of Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, is facing its first major test with these by-elections. Ethekon has dismissed allegations of external influence on the commission, asserting that the IEBC will remain independent and deliver credible elections. In an interview on Tuesday, November 25, he acknowledged the pressure on the commission but expressed confidence in their ability to conduct free and fair polls, stating, "Nobody is going to steal an election or stuff ballot papers. We are free from influence—from the President to the sweepers. We will safeguard our mandate." The IEBC has also assured the public of adequate security measures, with more than two police officers deployed to each of the 193 polling stations where by-elections are taking place.

The Kariobangi North seat, which has 24,500 registered voters, became vacant following the death of the previous Member of County Assembly, Joel Munuve. The race has attracted a crowded field of 16 candidates, making it one of the most contested ward elections alongside Chewani Ward in Tana River County. The campaign period was marked by intense political activity, with various parties, including KANU, the Kenya Patriots Party (KPP), and Safina, fielding candidates and promising to address key local issues such as water scarcity, unemployment, and poor infrastructure. In a move to consolidate the opposition's strength, the Jubilee Party opted out of the race to support the Wiper party's candidate, citing the need for opposition solidarity.

The outcome of the Kariobangi North by-election, along with the other mini-polls, is being closely watched as a barometer of the political climate ahead of the 2027 General Election. The allegations of electoral malpractice and the low voter turnout in Kariobangi North highlight the significant challenges the IEBC faces in rebuilding public trust and ensuring the credibility of future elections. The commission's handling of these issues will be critical in shaping public perception and the political landscape in the coming years.