NAIROBI, Kenya – The Election Observation Group (ELOG) has raised serious concerns over the integrity of Kenya’s November 27, 2025, by-elections, citing widespread electoral malpractice, voter bribery, and political interference.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, ELOG official Mule Musau said observers recorded multiple instances of violence, harassment, and intimidation during campaigns in constituencies including Kasipul, Malava, Mbeere North, Nairobi, and Machakos.
“Observers were even obstructed in Kariobangi North, where a rowdy crowd barricaded our vehicle demanding cash,” Musau said, adding that security personnel often failed to intervene decisively to mitigate these incidents.
Long-term observers reported open voter bribery, including the distribution of relief goods such as blankets, which constitute an offence under Section 9 of the Electoral Offences Act.
The law prescribes a fine of up to Sh2 million, imprisonment of up to six years, or both, for individuals who offer or accept bribes during an election period.
ELOG also noted the troubling involvement of high-ranking public officials and the use of public resources in campaigning, raising concerns about undue influence on political parties and voter behavior.
The observer group further highlighted lapses in electoral management, including unauthorized access to polling stations in Kasipul, Malava, and Mbeere North, which compromised ballot secrecy.
Musau said some of the intruders were political party “super agents” moving between polling stations despite the accreditation of designated party agents by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
ELOG is now urging the IEBC to strengthen scrutiny in future elections, improve ballot secrecy guidelines, and hold accountable those who violated electoral laws during the by-elections.
The IEBC has already gazetted the winners of the 24 by-elections conducted across the country.
These mini polls were held to fill vacancies arising from deaths of officeholders or appointments to cabinet positions.
The contests, which included both parliamentary and ward-level seats, attracted significant attention as parties sought to consolidate influence and gauge voter sentiment ahead of the 2027 General Election.
