The Elections Observation Group (ELOG) has raised serious concerns over the integrity of the November 27, 2025 by-elections.
The group noted that despite largely smooth technical procedures on polling day, the overall electoral environment was marred by violence, voter bribery, interference by public officials and widespread disinformation.
In its final report released in Nairobi on Wednesday, ELOG said the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) “punched way below their weight” in safeguarding the process.
ELOG deployed long-term observers before the polls and 100 roving observers across 22 electoral areas on election day.
While polling stations opened on time, had materials in place and conducted counting transparently, the group documented multiple violations that it said undermined credibility.
ELOG reported verified cases of violence, intimidation and clashes between rival camps in Kasipul, Malava, Mbeere North, Nairobi and Machakos.
Observers themselves were harassed in Kariobangi North, where a rowdy crowd barricaded their vehicles demanding cash.
“Security officers did not take decisive action that would have mitigated the situation,” the group noted, warning such incidents fuel voter apathy and suppression.
The organisation also flagged open voter bribery through the distribution of relief goods, blankets and other materials.
It warned that such inducements violate Article 81 of the Constitution and Section 9 of the Election Offences Act.
“These practices compromise the fairness of elections and can legally invalidate results or trigger criminal liability,” ELOG said.
ELOG further accused senior national and county officials of actively participating in campaigns, using state machinery and security organs in ways that created fear and intimidation.
Their involvement, the group said, tilted the playing field in favour of governing parties and violated the Public Officer Ethics Act.
While praising IEBC officers for orderly voting procedures, ELOG noted worrying irregularities. These included voters photographing ballot papers in 15.2% of stations, breaching secrecy provisions; high levels of assisted voting—reported in 65.9% of stations; and cases where nearly 90% of voters at a station were assisted by presiding officers.
“This is a serious anomaly… likely to compromise the vote secrecy in significant proportions,” ELOG warned.
Unauthorized individuals, including super agents and two Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers in Kariobangi North, were also found inside polling stations without accreditation.
“Only IEBC officials on duty, accredited agents, observers, security personnel and media are allowed. No unauthorized persons should be permitted,” ELOG stressed.
ELOG urged IEBC to assess electoral environments early and cancel elections where peaceful conditions cannot be guaranteed.
It also called for the disqualification of candidates and parties engaged in bribery, violence or misuse of public resources.
The group asked security agencies to enforce impartial policing, investigate intimidation cases and prosecute offenders.
Political parties were urged to uphold the electoral code of conduct and deploy trained agents only to designated stations.
Citizens, ELOG said, must act as vanguards in protecting electoral integrity.
“IEBC’s success in logistical and procedural management cannot mask its failure to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.”
It warned that moving forward without corrective action will taint the credibility of the Kenyan electoral process.
