By-elections: Polling stations close amid violence, intimidation and low voter turnout

By-elections across 22 electoral units have come to a close amid isolated reports of violence, intimidation and low voter turnout in several regions.

Areas including Malava, Kasipul and Banisa witnessed clashes, torched vehicles and arrests of youths suspected of disrupting the voting process, even as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) pledged to investigate and hold perpetrators accountable.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has condemned the incidents, noting that no individual or group has the right to compromise the safety, security or integrity of the process.

He emphasised that the commission is working closely with security agencies to take swift action against the perpetrators and hold them responsible.

“I strongly condemn all acts of violence, intimidation, or disruption reported in isolated areas during the voting process. Elections are a democratic exercise, and no individual or group has the right to compromise the peace, safety, or integrity of the process. We are working closely with security agencies to ensure swift action against any perpetrators and to restore calm where disturbances have occurred. I urge all candidates, supporters, and political actors to uphold the principles of peaceful participation and respect for the rule of law,” Ethekon said.

In Malava, goons destroyed several vehicles belonging to DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako, while a hotel linked to him was vandalised the previous night. Panyako was later arrested after visiting the police station to report the attacks. The Democratic Party of Kenya confirmed his detention at Malava Police Station.

Kasipul constituency in Homa Bay County also saw unrest. Police reportedly arrested at least 17 youths armed with crude weapons and impounded nine vehicles allegedly used to ferry goons. The arrests occurred along the Oyugis–Kendu Bay road and near Agoro Sare High School, the designated tallying centre.

Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem said investigations are ongoing to establish the group’s intentions.

“We want politicians and their supporters to shun violence and allow the election exercise to go on smoothly. There shouldn’t be any disruptions to the election,” he said.

Koilem also confirmed that police are investigating a separate incident involving a firearm reportedly taken from a bodyguard assigned to Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, who sustained head injuries during a mob attack at Agoro Sare polling station.

In Baringo County, voter turnout was low in the senatorial by-election. United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Vincent Chemitei cast his vote at Kamailel Primary School in Baringo South, where only 35 of 436 registered voters had participated by 1:00 pm. Analysts attribute the low turnout to the withdrawal of KANU leader Gideon Moi, which removed significant competition.

Nairobi’s Kariobangi North polling stations were almost empty an hour before closing, while Mandera’s Banisa constituency saw low turnout due to the ongoing drought, with only 30 per cent of registered voters casting ballots by noon.

IEBC Commissioner Hassan Noor noted that many locals have migrated with their livestock in search of pasture and water.

Kilifi’s Magarini constituency reported isolated voting challenges, including a woman blocked from voting due to incorrect photo details. However, some voters demonstrated determination to cast their ballots despite personal challenges, such as arriving with sick children.

In Mbeere North, Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku voted alongside UDA candidate Leonard Wamuthende and his wife at Siakago Social Hall. Wamuthende urged supporters to vote peacefully and await the final tally.

Other Topics To Read

• Politics
• Headlines
• by-elections
• IEBC by-elections
• By-elections: Polling stations close amid violence
• intimidation and low voter turnout

Chaos briefly erupted at the same polling station when Former Public Service CS Justin Muturi confronted Wamuthende’s agent, accusing them of wearing party colours and bribing voters.

Elsewhere, former Mumbuni North Ward MCA Paul Museku was rescued by police from a mob at Mung’ala Primary School in Machakos County. In Chewele–Kabuchai, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula cast his ballot at Namakhele Primary School, urging voters to exercise their democratic rights freely and safely.

Across the country, the by-elections covered six National Assembly constituencies, including Magarini (Kilifi), Banissa (Mandera), Mbeere North (Embu), Ugunja (Siaya), Kasipul (Homa Bay), and Malava (Kakamega) and one Senate seat in Baringo County. Voters also participated in county assembly elections in 15 electoral areas, including Nairobi, Garissa, Machakos, Turkana, Samburu, Nandi, Narok, Kajiado, Kakamega, Nyamira and Bungoma.

Leaders from different political backgrounds also condemned the violence.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga said, “The electoral violence witnessed today, and indeed in the past few weeks, is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms.”

Siaya Governor James Orengo also condemned the unrest, linking it to broader political tensions.

The IEBC had initially scheduled elections in 24 areas but declared two wards, Tembelio in Uasin Gishu and Metkei in Elgeyo Marakwet, uncontested after UDA candidates were the only valid nominees.

With voting concluded across the 22 constituencies, the process of tallying ballots has begun, with official results anticipated from Friday, November 28, 2025.