The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has expressed deep concern over the disorder that unfolded during Thursday’s by-elections, warning that the nation risks descending into political instability if such incidents persist.
In a statement released on Friday, November 28, 2025, the society described the polls, held in 22 constituencies, as being disrupted by violence, chaos, and breakdowns in law and order across multiple regions.
LSK said its observers had been monitoring the elections closely and were troubled by the level of unrest, noting that elections are meant to be peaceful exercises in democratic participation.
The society emphasized that no citizen should face threats or intimidation when exercising their right to vote.
Faith Odhiambo, President of LSK, cautioned that ongoing electoral violence could reverse the progress Kenya has made in democratic governance.
“While Kenya remains a politically passionate nation, we must be careful not to undo the relative democratic and electoral maturity,” she said, highlighting the importance of maintaining stability in the run-up to the 2027 General Election.
The society urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to take the warnings seriously, stressing that the electoral body has critical constitutional obligations that remain unmet.
LSK called on the commission to strengthen its planning and coordination, and to implement measures that ensure all elections are conducted in a secure and orderly manner.
Highlighting the urgency of accountability, LSK demanded immediate action against those responsible for inciting or committing electoral violence. The society encouraged the IEBC and security agencies to investigate all possible violations of Section 11 of the Elections Offenses Act, which prohibits the use of violence during polling.
LSK also called on the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to act swiftly in prosecuting anyone found culpable, warning that delays could further undermine public confidence in Kenya’s electoral system.
Beyond law enforcement, the society appealed to political parties, civil society organizations, the judiciary, and security agencies to convene discussions aimed at preventing violence and ensuring peaceful elections in 2027.
The society concluded that safeguarding Kenya’s democracy requires collective vigilance and proactive measures to prevent a repeat of Thursday’s chaos.
LSK reiterated that the country cannot afford to let passion for politics escalate into lawlessness, and that protecting the democratic process is a shared responsibility for all stakeholders.
