Voting in 22 constituencies across the country concluded on Thursday amid scattered incidents of violence, intimidation, and low voter engagement. In several areas, including Malava, Kasipul, and Banissa, clashes erupted, property was destroyed, and police detained youths suspected of disrupting the polls.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) said it is committed to investigating the incidents and ensuring those responsible face consequences.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon condemned the events, highlighting that no person or group is permitted to undermine the electoral process. He said the commission is working closely with security agencies to address disturbances and maintain order.
“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, vehicles belonging to DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako were destroyed, and a hotel associated with him was vandalised the previous night. Panyako was later detained when he reported the attacks to Malava Police Station, a fact confirmed by the Democratic Party of Kenya.
Kasipul constituency in Homa Bay County also faced disruptions, with police arresting at least 17 youths carrying crude weapons and seizing nine vehicles suspected of transporting troublemakers.
The incidents occurred along the Oyugis–Kendu Bay road and near Agoro Sare High School, the tallying centre. Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem said investigations are ongoing.
“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,” Koilem said. Police are also investigating a separate case where a firearm was reportedly taken from a bodyguard of Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, who was injured during a mob attack at Agoro Sare polling station.
In Baringo County, voter participation remained low during the senatorial by-election. UDA candidate Vincent Chemitei voted at Kamailel Primary School, where just 35 of 436 registered voters had turned out by early afternoon. Analysts attributed the low turnout to the withdrawal of KANU leader Gideon Moi, which reduced competition.
Other regions also recorded low engagement. Nairobi’s Kariobangi North stations were nearly empty close to closing, while Banisa in Mandera experienced low turnout due to drought, with residents migrating with livestock.
IEBC Commissioner Hassan Noor noted that some voters overcame personal difficulties, including illness in the family, to cast their ballots.
In Mbeere North, Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku voted alongside UDA candidate Leonard Wamuthende and urged supporters to remain peaceful. Tensions briefly flared when Former Public Service CS Justin Muturi confronted Wamuthende’s agent over party colours and alleged voter inducement.
Police rescued former Mumbuni North Ward MCA Paul Museku from a mob in Machakos County, while National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula urged voters in Chewele–Kabuchai to exercise their rights freely and safely.
By-elections spanned six National Assembly constituencies, one Senate seat, and 15 county assembly wards. Leaders condemned the unrest. 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 denounced the disturbances, linking them to political tensions.
Two wards, Tembelio and Metkei, were declared uncontested after UDA candidates were the only valid nominees. The process of tallying votes across the remaining 22 constituencies is ongoing, with official results expected by Friday, November 28, 2025.
