Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is actively overseeing a series of by-elections across the country, with officials making appeals for strong voter participation and issuing stern warnings against electoral malpractice. These mini-polls, taking place around November 2025, are being closely watched as a litmus test for the commission's preparedness ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In Mumbuni North ward, Machakos County, IEBC returning officer Alice Kimani urged the ward's 13,778 registered voters, spread across 25 polling stations, to turn out in large numbers for the by-election. Speaking at Mumbuni Girls High School during the breaking of ballot paper pallets, Kimani highlighted the historical trend of low voter turnout in by-elections and called on residents to reverse it. She assured the public of a smooth and transparent process and reminded voters to safeguard their identification cards, stressing that only a valid ID card or passport would grant access to polling stations. The IEBC had not received any formal complaints regarding malpractice, such as voter bribery or illegal ID buying, in the ward.

Meanwhile, in Magarini Constituency, Kilifi County, security has been significantly bolstered for the by-election. Joseph Mwafondo, the IEBC Returning Officer, confirmed the deployment of at least 50 police officers to secure the constituency, with two officers assigned to each of the 193 polling stations. Additional police officers from Mombasa and Nairobi, along with plainclothes officers and a rapid response unit, are also on standby to ensure a peaceful exercise and deter unauthorized individuals from approaching tallying centers. Mwafondo issued a strong caution against electoral malpractice, specifically warning presiding officers allegedly colluding with politicians to manipulate results, stating that some were under investigation for communicating with candidates. He also announced strict penalties for anyone found taking photos of ballot papers after voting, noting that some politicians were luring voters with 'tokens of appreciation' for photographic evidence of their votes. Presiding officers have been instructed to ensure no phones enter voting booths.

The Magarini by-election sees eight candidates vying for the parliamentary seat, which was declared vacant by the Supreme Court after nullifying Harrison Kombe's (ODM) election due to ballot stuffing and altering results. Kombe, who had defeated Stanley Kenga (UDA in 2022) by a narrow margin of 21 votes in the previous election, is contesting again, with Kenga (DCP) also among the contenders. Other candidates include Furaha Chengo (Democratic National Alliance), Karisa Chadi (Roots Party), Emmanuel Kalama (Alliance Party), Sarah Gakahu (Kenya Moja), Jacob Themo (Federal Party of Kenya), Samuel Nzai (Wiper Democratic Party), and Amos Katana (Independent). John Masha of the Kenya Social Congress Party had stepped down in favor of Kombe.

Adding a broader perspective, Wajir South Member of Parliament Mohammed Adow, speaking on Spice FM, urged the IEBC to intensify voter registration and education in the lead-up to the 2027 General Election, emphasizing its crucial role for credible processes, including the current by-elections. Adow highlighted that voter education is essential to protect democracy, prevent voter bribery and vote selling, and ensure future accountability. He also pointed out existing challenges for the IEBC, such as the need for upgrades to voter identification and transmission kits, and the use of outdated constituency and ward boundary maps. Furthermore, Adow cautioned voters against electing leaders based on tribal or clan affiliations, asserting that such choices undermine accountability and weaken the populace's voice. The current mini-polls, which include 17 ward representative positions, six parliamentary seats (including Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja), and the Baringo Senate seat, are seen by Adow as a critical indicator of the commission's overall preparedness and credibility for the upcoming general elections.