Live blog: Kenyans decide in the by-elections

November, 27 2025 - Kenyans across 22 Constituencies are voting as By-Elections begun early in the 2025 by-elections.

The by-elections are being held in Mbeere Noth, Ugunja, Malava, Magarini, Kasipul and Baringo as well as other area such as Chwele–Kabuchai in Bungoma , Narok Town Ward and many more.

181 candidates are contesting across the 24 electoral areas with political parties treating these contests as a litmus test ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Residents of Banissa Constituency turned out in large numbers early this morning as voting got underway to elect their next Member of Parliament. Polling stations across the constituency opened to long queues, with voters eager to exercise their democratic right and choose a leader who will represent their interests in the National Assembly. Ballots were airlifted with voting being very peaceful.

09: 00 am :Malava Constituency (Kakamega County): DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako has accused rivals of voter bribery and electoral malpractices, filing complaints with IEBC—though he says no action has been taken yet. Tight security is in place, with police patrolling to prevent disruptions.

10:30 am: Chaos erupted early at Kanyuambora Primary School polling station, where incumbent MP Muturi clashed with a UDA party agent over alleged voter intimidation. Long queues are forming, but voting is proceeding. Observers note dilapidated classrooms being used as polling stations, questioning NGCDF fund allocation. IEBC officials report smooth kit distribution despite the scuffle.

10:41 am: Kasipul Constituency (Homa Bay County) Voting is underway with security at an enhanced level. Peter Kaluma was involved in a scuffle losing his gun but security has been able to handle the situation. IEBC has transported ballot materials successfully, and residents though not many are expected to increase to vote in the Kasipul by eletions.

10:46 am: Purko Ward , Kajiado: People have turned up in large numbers to vote. People are voting to replace their former MCA Simon Saitoti with key candidates Daniel Ole Naikuni (ODM), Saidimu Tipatet Sanare (DCP) and Amos Mpusia (UDA). Voting in the area is going on peacefully. Queues building at Isiati/Ewuaso with ODM's Daniel Ole Naikuni favored if according to unconfirmed reports UDA's Amos Mpusia has stepped down.

10: 57am: A Toyota Prado in DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako's convoy was set ablaze by suspected goons in Manyonje area. No injuries reported; police investigating as part of broader intimidation claims. Panyako, who voted earlier at Lunyu Primary (6:42 AM arrival with party leader Eugene Wamalwa), accuses UDA of electoral terrorism. Kakamega Woman Rep Elsie Muhanda (UDA) denies involvement, counter-accusing rivals of similar tactics.

11:00 am: Justin Muturi in Mbeere north had a small scuffle with an alleged goon

11:03am: In Baringo North ,Presiding Officer at St. Mary's Primary reports just 4% turnout by mid-morning with only a handful of the 436 registered voters have shown. UDA frontrunner Vincent Kiprono Chemitei voted at Kaimalel Primary (Mochongoi Ward) around 9 AM, urging "ASAL voices" to participate amid Gen Z challengers like Samuel Letasio pushing for higher youth engagement.

11:22 am: Magharini Ward voting is continuing earlier with irate residents having chased out MP Ken Chonga (ODM chief agent) amid shouts of unauthorized agent and voter bribery claims by DCP supporters. Police intervened quickly with no arrests yet. DCP's Kenga, voting there, called it a win for integrity.

11:24 am: DCP's Stanley Kenga voted at Kanagoni (Adu Ward) around 9:40 AM, calling for integrity post-earlier chases of ODM's MP Ken Chonga. ODM's Harrison Kombe cast at Mapimo Central Primary; early concession rumors debunked as psy-ops. Agent barring at Mjanaheri resolved; ghost agent at Mtoroni cleared. Senate Speaker Amason Kingi urges peace. Moderate queues at Kwa Ndomo.

11:27 am: In Mumbuni North Ward (Makueni one voter turned away at a polling station due to KIEMS kit failure to scan ID; with IEBC facilitating manual verification. Isolated incident low turnout overall.

11:33 am: Narok Town Ward (Masikonde Primary): Candidate Escorted Amid Chaos . DCP candidate hurriedly removed from Masikonde Primary polling station by security after crowd unrest ,IEBC enforcing strict no-phone/no-campaigner rules. Confusion spilled outside, but voting resumed quickly. Locals blame overzealous agents no arrests mentioned.

11:34 am: UDA candidate Leonard Wamuthende (aka Leo Muthende) voted at Siakago Social Hall, accusing ODM agents of influence peddling in yellow UDA-branded attire at Kanyuambora Primary claims it's failing. Former AG Justin Muturi (backing rival Newton Karish) kicked out Muthende's agent Kiruga Thuku for wearing party colors, sparking a heated exchange. Steady queues at Siakago, CCK's Duncan Mbui counters with UDA/DP bribery accusations. Muturi exudes confidence post-vote at Kanyuambora. Large turnout noted at hall.

11:45 am :In Tinderet IEBC reminds that only voters, clerks, observers allowed ferrying of crews discouraged. Early calm, but low lines.

11:46am : Overall, polling continues smoothly in most of the 22 areas (134 stations total), with IEBC reporting no major nationwide disruptions. Turnout remains low-moderate (5-25% across reports), blamed on migration, heat, and voter fatigue.

Bribery claims in Mbeere North, with violence in Malava & Kasipul and low energy in Baringo. Opposition cries foul with reports of pre-marked ballots. UDA confident of wins despite these reports. Security beefed up with GSU to enhance security in the area.

11:55 pm:ODM candidate Boyd Were voted at Agoro Sare Primary School around 10:53 AM, urging high participation post-MP Kaluma's attack probe. Queues steady;are, locals hail organized setup with materials on time.

12:10pm: In Banisa constituency, UDA's Ahmed Maalim Hassan denied vote at his station because his fingerprints were not recognized by KIEMS kit. He called for manual override to help with the situation. Low but peaceful turnout with voters frustrated by heat and migration.

1:00pm : In Ugunja Constituency, Vice Chair Araphat's assurance hits home in IEBC's fair play vow with hisvow that Mechanisms are in place for credible polls, countering apathy fears. ODM's Omondi hails activity as smooth

1:05 pm: In Mumbuni North Ward (Makueni) reports highlight building queues with KIEMS glitch fixed, steady voting amid MCA race buzz.

1:25pm : Kitutu Chache North (Kisii): MP Japhet Nyakundi casts at Menyenya SDA Primary; local buzz on #nyansiongoVotes ties into broader by-election watch.

1:30 pm: National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula voted at Namakhele Primary, hails smooth process in MCA race. No incidents; moderate turnout.

1:50 pm: In Kitale (Trans Nzoia) Protests Erupt Over Natembeya Arrest. Angry residents block major roads in Kitale Town protesting Gov. George Natembeya's arrest ties into by-election tensions, though not direct. Demonstrators hurl stones, demand release; police disperse with tear gas. No link to polling stations yet, but ripples feared in nearby wards. IEBC monitors but low-moderate turnout locally.

2:20 pm: North Rift Turnout Lags as sparse queues seen across Baringo, Elgeyo-Marakwet pastoralists cite migration; IEBC eyes post-lunch boost.

2:25 pm :Ugunja (Siaya): Afternoon Hike hoped for as residing officer at Town Hallsaid the next few hours will be key as workers clock out of work. Current voter turn out is low to moderate, but Opiyo Wandayi praises impressive peace and security leadership earlier.

2:30 pm Baringo Senatorial: Apathy Deepens in South as UDA's Vincent Chemitei briefs press post-vote at Kamailel Primary: Only 35/436 ballots cast by 1 PM in Baringo South blames pastoral migration, vows "ASAL push."

2:35 pm Magharini Ward (Kilifi): Voter ID Photo Mix-Up Blocks Woman. At unnamed station, Woman denied vote due to mismatched photo in KIEMS voter details IEBC manual check underway, highlighting registry glitches. No broader disruptions.

2:40pm :Kasipul (Homa Bay): Kaluma Grounded by Locals as he was confronted by residents demanding he "listen to the ground" with a tense standoff. Oyugis town sees beefed-up GSU patrols after earlier clashes; steady lines at Kachieng Primary.

2:45: Muturi Arrest Demands Surge in Mbeere North as Nominated Senator Samson Cherargei calls for Justin Muturi's immediate arrest over agent ejections and scuffles at Siakago labels it electoral violation. Ties into UDA's Wamuthende bribery counters; queues still massive.

2:50 pm:Nyamira Wards: Goon Attacks & Weapons Bust. Injuries mounting: Locals treated at hospital after goon roughed-up in Nyamaiya Ward. Separate chaos at Ikonge PAG polling station police seize clubs from probox, sparking brief unrest. Voting paused briefly, now resumed with extra security.

3:00 pm: Afternoon turnout inches to 35-55% in flashpoint areas like Malava and Kasipul, but North Rift and arid zones stuck below 20% amid ongoing apathy and tech snags. IEBC reports manual backups in play for KIEMS fails. Escalating violence with fresh arrests in Malava, goon attacks in Nyamira wards, while elsewhere there are calls for Muturi arrest in Mbeere. Opposition decries this is an intimidation blueprint for 2027. There are no poll suspensions with a focus on closing polls rush.

3:30 pm :North Rift: Voter Apathy Persists. Sparse participation across Baringo, Elgeyo-Marakwet, and Bungoma—pastoral migration and security fears cited; IEBC eyes evening surge but turnout lags at <20%.

3:35pm : Kuria & Kioni Warn of 2027 Goon use blueprint. Kuria says today's lawlessness foreshadows a "crisis" for 2027, risking goon dominance. Jubilee SG Jeremiah Kioni echoes teh same sentiments as the By-elections will be sued as the blueprint for general polls and demands accountability. Humanitarian voices amplify concerns on safety.

3:40pm : In Kabuchai Constituency (Bungoma). Incumbent MP Majimbo Kalasinga casts at Sikusi Primary School, calls for residents to shun violence in this MCA-linked race. No disruptions; moderate queues building.

3:45 pm: Nyansiongo Ward (Nyamira) Boda Bodas Target Voters. Section of voters at Tindereti Polling Station report attacks by criminals on motorbikes appeals for immediate intervention to restore peace. Low turnout blamed on fear and hospital checks ongoing for injuries.

3:50pm :Kasipul (Homa Bay): Armed Youths Barred from Polling Station as Police block entry of club-wielding youths at Agoro Sare Primary School, site of MP Kaluma's earlier assault tensions ease but extra patrols deployed in Oyugis. Residents push for calm amid steady lines.

3:55pm: Kakamega Commissioner Slams Fake News on Arrests. County Commissioner Onesmus Kyatha debunks Seth Panyako's claims and Gov. George Natembeya arrest rumors as baseless urges fact-checking to avoid panic. Ties into Malava convoy attacks security steady but vigilant.

4:00pm : Analyst Slams Murkomen's Warnings as PR. Martin Andati terms Interior CS 's goon alerts as UDA-orchestrated PR he's part of the brigade knowing Senate ops.