NAIROBI, Kenya – Polling stations across several constituencies opened at 6:00 am Thursday, marking the start of closely watched by-elections in Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North and Banisa.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has assured the public of a secure and transparent process as voters head to the polls in what analysts say could reshape the country’s political dynamics.
Voting is scheduled to close at 5:00 pm, with the electoral body confirming that any delays experienced during the day will be compensated to ensure all voters in line cast their ballots.
The by-elections come amid heightened interest, with tight races and historical political disputes attracting both national attention and heavy deployment of security teams.
Observers and human rights groups are monitoring the exercise, following warnings of rising tension in some hotspots.
Mixed Start Across Constituencies
In Magarini, voting began smoothly at Mjanaheri Primary School in Maureen, although some voters initially struggled to locate the correct stations.
At Mapimo Secondary School — one of the ward’s 193 polling centres — polling started exactly at 6:00 am, with a steady flow of early voters and police officers maintaining order.
Malava constituency also recorded an on-time start, with early reports showing voters already streaming in before sunrise.
Mbeere North, however, saw a slight delay at the busy Kanyambora Primary School.
Officials opened the gates a few minutes past the scheduled start time as clerks verified voter registration details.
The constituency has nine candidates seeking to succeed Geoffrey Ruku for the remainder of the 13th Parliament’s term.
In Banisa, Mandera County, lines formed early at Banisa Primary School, where four stations were set up with separate queues for men and women in line with local customs.
The seat fell vacant following the death of MP Maalim Hassan in March 2023. Two candidates — Ahmed Maalim Hassan of UDA and his rival from UPA — are battling for the seat.
Concerns of possible rigging had surfaced in the run-up to the poll, but IEBC Commissioner Hassan Nur Hassan dismissed the fears, insisting that the process remains “free from manipulation.”
Banisa has 32,000 registered voters spread across five wards.
IEBC Confirms Nationwide Readiness
In a statement issued Wednesday evening, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said the Commission had finalized all logistical and operational preparations.
“The IEBC wishes to inform the nation that all preparations for the by-elections scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025, across 22 electoral areas have been completed,” the Commission said. “Polling will commence at 6:00 am in all designated polling stations.”
Political Stakes Rise
The elections are widely viewed as a test of Kenya’s political climate, with analysts describing them as a “mini-referendum” on the country’s leadership.
The contests span parliamentary, senatorial, and ward representative seats, intensifying political lobbying.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua have invested heavily in the races, while Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and senior ODM officials are closely watching the outcomes following Raila Odinga’s death last month.
For President William Ruto, the results will be closely scrutinized as a measure of grassroots support.
Kindiki has particularly focused on Mbeere North, backing UDA’s Leonard Wamuthende against Newton Karish of the Democratic Party.
Opposition figures Eugene Wamalwa, George Natembeya and Justin Muturi have also thrown their weight behind various candidates.
A parallel contest for the Baringo senatorial seat, along with 16 ward representative positions, has further raised the stakes nationwide.
As the day progresses, all eyes are on turnout, security, and the credibility of the tallying process.
