NAIROBI, Kenya — Residents in Isiolo, Kakamega, and Embu counties are voting today in by-elections to fill vacant parliamentary and county assembly seats, with the electoral agency assuring the public of a smooth and transparent process.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) confirmed that polling stations opened at 6.00 am and will close at 5.00 pm. Voters in the queue by closing time will be allowed to cast their ballots.
The commission said voting is underway for the Member of the National Assembly for Isiolo South Constituency and for Members of the County Assembly in West Kabras Ward (Kakamega County), and Muminji and Evurore wards (Embu County).
IEBC urged voters to mark their ballots correctly. “Use one mark only on the ballot paper,” the commission stated, adding, “Come out in large numbers and exercise your democratic right. Your vote, your future.”
The by-elections follow the creation of vacancies in the affected areas, as provided under Articles 101 and 182 of the Constitution, which require that a by-election be held within 90 days of a seat falling vacant. IEBC staff and election observers have been deployed across polling centres to oversee compliance with electoral laws and procedures.
In Isiolo South, the parliamentary contest follows the death of area MP Tubi Bidu Mohamed. Three candidates are vying for the seat: Fayo Isack Abduba (National Economic Development Party), Tubi Tubi Mohamed (UDA), and Tupi Bina Mohamed (Jubilee Party). The race is being closely watched as a test of political influence in the region.
In West Kabras Ward in Kakamega County, six candidates are competing for the MCA seat, including Shalakha Elphas (UDA), Khaemba Bramwel (DCP), and Mukhwana George (National Economic Development Party).
Muminji Ward in Embu County has attracted seven candidates after MCA Newton Karish resigned to contest the Mbeere North parliamentary seat. The aspirants include Ngari Boniface (Devolution Empowerment Party), John Nyaga (UPA), Njeru Cosmas (National Economic Development Party), Njiru Joseph (Umoja na Maendeleo Party), Njiru Peterson Njeru (UDA), Njuki Charles Kiura (The We Alliance Party), and Nthiga Zachary Mbogo (Kenya Moja Movement Party).
Meanwhile, Evurore Ward, also in Embu County, has 10 candidates in the race. Among them are Kabuthi Catherine (UPA), Kigoro Albert (Democratic Party), Mate Johnson Mukui (Independent), Muriithi Martin (National Economic Development Party), Njeru Joseph (People’s Liberation Party), Njeru Kennedy (United Green Movement), Njiru Eston (Umoja na Maendeleo Party), Njiru Virginia Thaara (Kenya Moja Movement Party), Nyaga Duncan (UDA), and Nyaga Kenneth (Chama Cha Kazi).
The by-elections are seen as a political barometer, with parties aligned to both the Kenya Kwanza administration and the opposition seeking to consolidate grassroots support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
IEBC said all logistical preparations, including ballot papers, trained personnel, and election technology, were in place. Residents have been encouraged to follow polling guidelines, maintain order at stations, and remain patient as the process unfolds.
Results are expected to shape local political dynamics and offer insight into shifting voter sentiments in the affected counties.
