NAIROBI, Kenya – On the eve of critical by-elections in 24 electoral areas across Kenya, senior opposition leaders have alleged a systematic plot by government operatives to rig the outcome through pre-marked ballots and intimidation. Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 (EAT), leaders of the United Opposition Alliance, including Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua, detailed what they described as a brazen scheme to subvert the democratic process.

The allegations come as voters prepare to head to the polls on Thursday, November 27, 2025, in six constituencies, one senatorial race, and 17 wards. These by-elections are widely seen as a significant test for the newly constituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and a bellwether for the political landscape leading up to the 2027 General Election.

Specific Claims of Malpractice

Mr. Musyoka claimed the opposition had evidence that 30,000 pre-marked ballot papers had been dispatched to key constituencies, specifically naming Mbeere North, Malava, and Magarini. He further alleged that the printing and serialization of 820,000 ballots by Greek firm Inform Lykos was flawed, creating loopholes for ballot stuffing. “We are aware that these ballots have been dispatched through compromised presiding officers,” Musyoka stated, adding that state officials were unconstitutionally using public resources to campaign for government-aligned candidates.

Mr. Gachagua elaborated on the alleged plot in Mbeere North, claiming a plan was in place to use hired individuals to create chaos at polling stations. “The plan in Mbeere North is that 1,500 gangsters from Kayole and Kikuyu will create chaos... during that commotion, pre-marked ballots will be inserted into ballot boxes,” Gachagua asserted. These specific claims echo a tense campaign period that has seen both the opposition and the ruling UDA party trade accusations of planning violence.

High-Stakes Contests and Political Context

The by-elections are filling vacancies caused by deaths, appointments to cabinet, and a court nullification. The contests in Malava, Mbeere North, and Magarini are particularly heated:

• Malava: The race to succeed the late MP Malulu Injendi has become a two-horse race between UDA’s David Ndakwa and DAP-K’s Seth Panyako, who is backed by the opposition. The campaign has been marked by intense activity from senior national leaders from both sides.
• Mbeere North: This seat, vacant after Geoffrey Ruku’s cabinet appointment, pits UDA's Leonard Muthende against the Democratic Party's Newton Kariuki, supported by Gachagua's opposition faction.
• Magarini: The election was triggered by a Supreme Court nullification of the 2022 result. The race features ODM's Harrison Kombe seeking to reclaim his seat against candidates including DCP's Stanley Kenga.

IEBC and Observers Under Pressure

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has refuted the allegations, assuring the public of a free, fair, and transparent process. In a response to an earlier letter from Gachagua concerning alleged interference in Magarini, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon termed the claims “weighty” but affirmed that institutional safeguards were in place. On Wednesday, the IEBC confirmed that all election materials and personnel were dispatched and ready for the 6:00 AM (EAT) poll opening.

The ruling UDA party dismissed the opposition's claims as a “political tantrum” and a predictable tactic employed when sensing defeat. However, the opposition's concerns about the misuse of state resources have been echoed by independent observers. On November 17, 2025, the Elections Observation Group (ELOG) petitioned the IEBC to take action against public officers engaging in political campaigns, citing violations of the Political Parties Act.

With tensions high and accusations flying from all sides, the conduct and outcome of Thursday's polls will be meticulously scrutinized by the Kenyan public and political stakeholders as a crucial indicator of the nation's electoral health.