NAIROBI, KENYA – National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula issued a strong call for robust security and high voter participation as Kenyans headed to the polls on Thursday, November 27, 2025, to vote in 24 hotly contested by-elections across the country. Speaking shortly after casting his vote at Namakhele Primary School in the Chwele-Kabuchai Ward by-election, Wetang’ula emphasized the need for a peaceful process, allowing citizens to exercise their democratic rights without intimidation.

“I ask our security agencies to provide sufficient security to enable people to vote freely. After voting, I encourage citizens to go home and wait for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to tally the votes,” the Speaker stated on Thursday morning. His remarks underscore a tense political atmosphere that has characterized the campaigns, with pockets of violence and heated rhetoric reported in several areas.

The by-elections, which include six National Assembly seats, one Senate seat, and 17 ward-level contests, were necessitated by a variety of factors, including court nullifications of 2022 election results and the deaths of incumbent officeholders. These polls are widely viewed as a mid-term stress test for the nation's electoral systems and a gauge of the political C in both President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Alliance and Raila Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja coalition.

A Test of Political Might

The Speaker, a principal in the Kenya Kwanza coalition, has been actively campaigning, particularly in the Western Kenya region, framing the elections as an opportunity for residents to align with the national government for development. In Malava Constituency, for instance, Wetang’ula, alongside Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, has been drumming up support for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, David Ndakwa. The Malava seat fell vacant following the death of former MP Malulu Injendi in February 2025.

“Your former MPs... were in government. That is why we want you to elect David Dakwa so that Malava remains in government and we walk together,” Wetang’ula argued during a rally at Shamberere Primary School, as reported on November 24, 2025.

However, the opposition has mounted a fierce challenge. Leaders from the Azimio coalition, including Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, have also been on the campaign trail, accusing the government of using state resources to influence the outcome and framing the contest as a referendum on the Kenya Kwanza administration's performance. Allegations of voter bribery and intimidation have been prominent, with DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa claiming state operatives were attempting to subvert the will of the people in Malava.

Heightened Security and IEBC's Assurance

In response to rising tensions and security concerns, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the National Police Service (NPS) have assured the public of enhanced security measures. IEBC Commissioner Alutala Mukhwana confirmed on Tuesday, November 25, that both uniformed and plainclothes officers would be deployed, particularly in volatile areas. In Magarini, the returning officer announced that each of the 117 polling stations would be manned by at least two police officers, with over 50 officers from units including the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) securing the tallying centre.

Polling stations opened at 6:00 AM EAT and are scheduled to close at 5:00 PM EAT, with provisions to extend time in case of delays. IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has expressed confidence in the commission's preparedness, despite acknowledging the immense pressure. “We are free from influence—from the President to the sweepers. We will safeguard our mandate,” Ethekon stated in a recent interview, dismissing allegations of planned rigging as political rhetoric. The commission also issued a stern warning against photographing marked ballot papers, a tactic reportedly linked to voter bribery.

Implications for Kenya and the Region

While localized, the outcomes of these by-elections carry significant national weight. For Kenya Kwanza, victories would reaffirm its political mandate and strengthen its grip on Parliament, where the Speaker himself holds a key position. For Azimio, winning seats would signal enduring relevance and provide a much-needed morale boost as it seeks to hold the government accountable.

The conduct of the IEBC is also under intense scrutiny. These polls are the first major electoral exercise for the newly constituted commission, and its ability to deliver a credible, transparent, and peaceful process will be critical in rebuilding public trust ahead of the 2027 General Election. The successful management of these by-elections would not only reinforce Kenya's democratic credentials but also set a positive example for electoral integrity within the East Africa region.