Kenyans across 18 counties went to the polls on November 27, 2025, to elect new representatives in a total of 22 by-elections. These high-stakes contests saw voters casting ballots for one Senate seat, six parliamentary seats, and fifteen county assembly seats. Polling stations opened promptly at 6:00 AM, with many enthusiastic voters forming queues as early as 5:00 AM, eager to participate in the democratic process. The voting exercise is scheduled to conclude at 5:00 PM, with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) assuring that any voter still in line at closing time would be allowed to cast their ballot, and that compensation would be provided for time lost due to late polling station openings.

Preparations for the elections were meticulously handled, with election officials at locations such as Ambira Boys High school in Ugunja, Siaya, conducting final checks of all election materials before dispatching them to various polling stations. Security officers were also present at voting centres like Siror Primary School in Ugunja, guiding voters through the process. The political significance of these by-elections extends beyond the immediate results, with their aftermath expected to resonate deeply into the looming 2027 General Elections, serving as a crucial barometer for the political landscape.

Several constituencies and wards experienced intense political duels and notable incidents throughout the day. In Malava Constituency, the contest was particularly heated between UDA candidate David Ndakwa and DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako. Ndakwa, after casting his vote at Mukongolo Primary School Polling Station, accused his opponents of resorting to intimidation and provocation to suppress voter turnout. Conversely, DAP-K Party leader Eugene Wamalwa and candidate Seth Panyako, after Panyako cast his vote at St. Joseph Lunyu Primary School in Manda-Shivanga, publicly urged the IEBC to arrest Ndakwa, alleging he was responsible for causing unrest in the area. The constituency, despite reports of pre-election violence, remained calm during the early hours of voting.

Magarini Constituency, with approximately 80,128 registered voters, also saw a fierce competition. The race was primarily viewed as a contest between ODM’s Harrison Kombe, whose 2022 win was nullified in court, and DCP’s Stanley Kenga. ODM candidate Harrison Gharama Kombe cast his vote at Mapimo Central Primary School. However, an incident marred the morning in Adu ward, Magarini constituency, where Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga was reportedly chased away by voters at Kanagoni Polling Station amid allegations of voter bribery. Voters also cast their ballots at Kanagoni polling station.

In Kasipul Constituency, Homabay County, voters braved the morning cold to cast their votes at locations like Agoro Sare Primary School, where long queues were observed early in the day. The campaign period in Kasipul had previously been marked by periodic violence, leading the IEBC to impose a Sh1 million fine each on ODM’s Boyd Were and independent candidate Philip Aroko. Despite these past tensions, no incidents were reported in Kasipul during the voting process. Meanwhile, in Mbeere North, where nine candidates are vying to replace Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, voters began arriving at polling centres such as Kanyuambora as early as 3:00 AM, indicating high engagement.

Other by-elections included those in Ugunja Constituency, where election officials were busy with final preparations, and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi was expected to vote, while ODM candidate Moses Omondi planned to vote an hour earlier. In Nyamira County, three wards were holding elections, with Nyamira County Assembly Speaker Thaddeus Nyabaro casting his vote at Mwancha Primary School in Ekerenyo ward, North Mugirango constituency. Baringo County was also voting to choose a successor to William Cheptumo, who passed away in February, with early turnout noted at Lakezone Kataboi Polling Station in Turkana North By-Election, as the nation focused on these crucial electoral exercises.