Kenyans in 18 counties went to the polls on November 27, 2025, voting in 22 by-elections, including one Senate seat, six parliamentary seats, and fifteen county assembly seats. Polling stations opened at 6:00 AM, with voters forming lines as early as 5:00 AM. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) assured that anyone still in line at closing time would be allowed to vote and compensation would be provided for delays caused by late openings.

Preparations for the elections were thorough, with officials at Ambira Boys High School in Ugunja, Siaya, conducting final checks of materials before distribution. Security officers guided voters at centres such as Siror Primary School, ensuring orderly proceedings. Analysts suggest these by-elections will serve as a key indicator ahead of the 2027 General Elections and influence the political climate nationwide.

In Malava Constituency, the contest between UDA candidate David Ndakwa and DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako was particularly heated. Ndakwa alleged voter intimidation by opponents after casting his ballot at Mukongolo Primary School. DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa called on the IEBC to arrest Ndakwa for causing unrest, following Panyako’s vote at St. Joseph Lunyu Primary School in Manda-Shivanga. Despite earlier pre-election violence, polling proceeded calmly.

Magarini Constituency, with 80,128 registered voters, witnessed intense competition between ODM’s Harrison Kombe and DCP’s Stanley Kenga. Voting took place at Mapimo Central Primary School, while Adu Ward saw Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga chased away over alleged voter bribery at Kanagoni Polling Station, raising concerns over electoral integrity.

In Kasipul Constituency, Homabay County, residents braved the morning cold to vote at Agoro Sare Primary School. Previous campaign-related violence led the IEBC to fine ODM’s Boyd Were and independent candidate Philip Aroko Sh1 million each. However, the voting process remained incident-free. Similarly, in Mbeere North, nine candidates contested to replace Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, with high turnout recorded at centres including Kanyuambora.

Other key elections included Ugunja Constituency, where Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and ODM candidate Moses Omondi cast their votes, and Nyamira County’s three wards, where County Assembly Speaker Thaddeus Nyabaro voted at Mwancha Primary School in Ekerenyo ward, North Mugirango constituency. Baringo County also elected a successor to William Cheptumo, who passed away in February, while early voters in Turkana North by-election turned out at Lakezone Kataboi Polling Station. These exercises placed the IEBC’s credibility under close scrutiny.