Politics

CS Murkomen said the withdrawal was intended to ensure state-issued firearms were not used to interfere with voting.

The confrontation broke out just before noon, prompting police to fire tear gas and shoot into the air to disperse the crowd.

Karua claims the government exploits poverty to sway voters, criticising the use of handouts over policy-driven leadership during recent by-elections.

IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon calls for responsible media reporting, urging accountability based on evidence amidst allegations of electoral misconduct following recent by-elections.

Church leaders express concerns that recent by-election violence may signal chaos in the upcoming 2027 General Election, urging stronger actions from electoral bodies.

Ichung’wa said the Opposition had failed to articulate issues of national importance to voters, instead resorting to tribal narratives aimed at dividing Kenyans along ethnic lines.

Panyako expressed gratitude to supporters for what he described as unwavering trust, saying they stood firm despite what he alleged were acts of violence and threats to his life during the exercise.

ELOG urged the IEBC to enforce strict compliance with assisted voting procedures, take decisive action against breaches of ballot secrecy, and scale up voter education targeting registration, polling station identification, and voting processes.

MP Caleb Amisi explained that in the 2027 General Election, there will be no government machinery to help pro-government candidates win seats.

President William Ruto affirmed that the by-election losses should serve as a wake-up call to leaders who are busy selling hatred, disunity, and succession politics rather than articulating how they intend to improve the lives of ordinary Kenyans.

Harrison Kombe previously lost the seat in 2024 when the Supreme Court upheld the nullification of his 2022 election following a petition by Stanley Kenga.

Ahmed Maalim Hassan garnered 10,431 votes, defeating his closest challenger, United Progressive Alliance (UPA) candidate Nurdin Maalim Mohamed, who received 1,240 votes.

David Ndakwa captured the seat with 21,564 votes, outpacing Panyako, who garnered 20,210 votes in what turned out to be a razor-thin finish.

Mandera County saw Ahmed Maalim Hassan of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) win the Banisa Ward by-election, obtaining 10,431 votes.

Orodi Odhiambo of the Wiper Party trailed with 1,819 votes in second, while Fredrick Ochiel of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) came third, receiving 1,200 votes.

The IEBC confirmed that Boyd secured 16,819 votes, comfortably defeating independent candidate Philip Aroko, who received 8,476 votes.

Police also noted that they have arrested 23 suspects, and 11 vehicles, along with two motorcycles, were seized as investigations continue.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said no unauthorised person will be allowed into the protected areas during counting and verification.

Areas including Malava, Kasipul and Banisa witnessed clashes, torched vehicles and arrests of youths suspected of disrupting the voting process

The commission urged the public to rely on verified information and cautioned against propaganda intended to undermine the electoral process.

Governor Nyaribo faces allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, mismanagement of public funds and irregular appointments.

In Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay Town MP and ODM chief agent Peter Kaluma was injured during confrontations at several polling stations.

Sifuna demanded that Murkomen and his team take full responsibility for failing to secure the safety of all participants in the ongoing by-elections.

Voting in Thursday’s by-elections across multiple constituencies was marred by pockets of violence, disruptions, and heightened tension, underscoring the fragile political landscape surrounding the polls.

The by-election in Magarini is being conducted under tight security, with police deployed to polling stations to maintain order and prevent disruptions.

Duncan Mbui alleged that unmarked vehicles had been stationed across various parts of the constituency, distributing money and packets of flour to unsuspecting residents.

Kaluma said he was attacked by goons at Agoro Sare Primary School when he went to inspect how the voting process was taking place.

In Kasipul, the main contenders are ODM’s Boyd Were and independent candidate Philip Aroko, though seven other candidates are vying for the seat.

The by-election, which has drawn 10 candidates, is being closely watched as parties seek to consolidate their political influence ahead of the 2027 General Election. The constituency has 80,128 registered voters, according to IEBC.

In Banisa, Mandera County, voters began arriving at Banisa Primary School promptly at 6:00 am. This polling centre has four stations, with separate queues for men and women in line with local customs.

As part of its role, KNCHR said it had deployed commissioners, staff and field teams in all the areas holding by-elections. These teams will observe the voting process with a focus on rights protection, provide updates and later issue a full report

In response to the accusations, the United Opposition released a statement accusing the Kenya Kwanza leadership of attempting to frustrate voters’ will.

In line with its constitutional mandate, the KNCHR said it has deployed commissioners, staff, and field monitors across election zones.

Maraga explained that this conviction inspired his decision to run for president and push the country back toward constitutionalism.

The UDA hopeful is also expected to gain sympathy support, following the death of his brother and former Banisa MP Kulow Maalim Hassan, who passed away in March 2023 after a hit-and-run motorcycle accident in Nairobi's South B. His death left the seat vacant, paving the way for this by-election.

The appointments were unveiled before an enthusiastic crowd, with the new attachés reading out their letters on stage from Mudavadi's phone.

Political pundits view the November 27 by-elections as the first showdown between President William Ruto’s broad-based government and the United Opposition.

A vicious rift has emerged within the ODM hierarchy, with tensions simmering between party leader Oburu Oginga and the family of his late brother, Raila Odinga, over control of the party.

The IEBC said Aroko, who is running as an Independent, and Were of the ODM party failed to respect the agreed campaign schedule, directly escalating tensions between supporters.

Recent campaign activities in Kasipul have been marred by sporadic clashes, threats, and disruptions, prompting preventive measures from the IEBC to protect both voters and candidates.

The election and monitoring platform reminded the electoral agency that the Constitution requires all public officers to uphold political neutrality and comply with existing regulations governing participation in elections and related activities.

Gachagua alleged that certain individuals within the government had previously planned to assassinate him, adding that earlier attempts on his life had gone uninvestigated, prompting him to stay away from the national mourning event.

Winnie had publicly called for a National Delegates Convention (NDC) to decide the party’s strategic approach to the pact with President Ruto’s government, asserting that current leaders were not capable of managing the complex relationship.

She urged the party’s highest decision-making organ to intervene, asserting that the matter is too complicated for the current officials.

Owino also used the national platform to issue a stern warning to the national government, promising a return to mass action if the economic situation deteriorates.

Differences in tone, thought, and political direction among party leaders have exposed a widening rift that could jeopardise ODM’s future.

Reflecting on the party’s 20-year journey, Winnie said ODM’s identity is inseparable from the struggles that shaped it. She described the movement as a vessel built through public sacrifice and unrelenting resistance.

Preparations, including the recruitment and training of polling officials and the deployment of logistical support teams, have been completed or are ongoing, while the dispatch of election materials is expected to be finalised in time for polling day.

He stressed that it is Ruto who needs ODM, not the other way around, as the president has failed to live up to Kenyans’ expectations.

She addressed hundreds of young delegates in Mombasa on Friday during the second day of ODM at 20 celebrations, urging the youth to take up leadership and drive the party toward national victory.

The NGC also approved Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, Godfrey Osotsi, and Simba Arati as Deputy Party Leaders (DPLs).