The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is conducting by-elections in 22 electoral areas across 15 counties today, November 27, 2025, with polling stations opening at 6 a.m. and closing at 6 p.m.
The mini-polls cover one National Assembly seat in Kigumo Constituency (Murang’a County) and 21 county assembly wards spread across Kisumu West, Ugunja, Magarini, Banisa, and 17 other locations following deaths, resignations, or court nullifications.
IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati, speaking at the national tallying centre in Nairobi on November 26, emphasized transparency in the process. “After polls close at exactly 6 p.m., the Presiding Officer, in full view of party agents, candidates’ agents, observers, and accredited media, will open the ballot box, empty its contents on the table, and commence counting,” Chebukati said. “We request all agents and media present to truthfully and accurately record today’s proceedings at every polling station so that the will of the people is reflected without distortion.”
Chebukati called upon all polling officials to discharge their duties with integrity, impartiality, and full adherence to the Commission’s Code of Conduct. “Any official found compromising the process will face immediate removal and prosecution,” he warned. “We have zero tolerance for misconduct.”
More than 520,000 registered voters are eligible to participate across the 1,127 polling stations. The Commission has deployed 8,400 polling officials and over 5,000 security officers to maintain order.
In Kigumo Constituency, seven candidates are vying to replace the late MP who passed away in August. Voting is also underway in wards including Chemolingot (Baringo), Kapkemich (Bomet), Kinyona (Meru), Nyang’oma (Kisumu), and South Gem (Siaya).
The Commission has introduced additional safeguards following allegations of irregularities in previous by-elections. All ballot boxes are sealed with serialized security tags, and results will be transmitted electronically from polling stations to constituency and national tallying centres simultaneously.
Returning officers have been instructed to announce Form 34A results immediately after counting and display them publicly before transmission.
Political parties have deployed thousands of agents. Kenya Kwanza coalition agent coordinator Dennis Kiptanui said the alliance has agents in every polling stream. “We are watching every ballot,” Kiptanui said. “Any attempt to manipulate the process will be exposed instantly.”
Azimio coalition agent coordinator Junet Mohamed urged supporters to remain vigilant until results are announced. “Our agents have cameras and will live-stream counting where possible,” Mohamed said. “The people’s will must prevail.”
Voter turnout appeared moderate in early reports from Kigumo and Magarini, with long queues forming before 6 a.m. in several rural wards.
The Commission has assured Kenyans that results will begin streaming from 6:30 p.m. onwards, with final declarations expected by midnight in most areas.
