Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
In Malava Constituency, Kakamega County, tensions rose after Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa accused United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate David Ndakwa of orchestrating an attack on DAP-K aspirant Seth Panyako. Wamalwa also alleged attempts to obstruct police operations at certain polling stations.
Kenya, currently home to more than 860,000 refugees, has felt these pressures sharply, with local infrastructure, environmental resources, and services stretched in areas hosting refugees for decades. Murkomen emphasized that these challenges impact both refugees and local populations.
IEBC Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat noted that while polling stations were operating without issues and the process was peaceful, the number of voters arriving in the first hours was below expectations.
Focusing on Kasipul, Orero noted its historical alignment as an ODM stronghold and highlighted tensions caused by independent candidates emerging after party nominations. Orero stressed that the outcome of these local contests carries national significance, as it will shape public trust in Kenya’s democratic processes.
The DP team accused Kiruga of wearing United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party colours inside the polling station, which they described as an unlawful act.
Wamalwa said the disruptions were tied to a “nefarious scheme” that he, alongside United Opposition co-principals Kalonzo Musyoka and Rigathi Gachagua, had earlier warned Kenyans about.
Kenga urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the security team overseeing the poll to intervene and ensure that every accredited agent is allowed to work without interruption. He said this would help protect the integrity of a by-election that has drawn wide attention across the country.
The by-elections scheduled by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) follow a series of parliamentary and local seat vacancies across Kenya. Malava Constituency became vacant after the death of MP Moses Malulu Injendi earlier this year.
Any lost time at opening will be recovered at closing, and voters in the queue by 5 pm will be allowed to vote.
The National Police Service (NPS) said operations began smoothly, with hundreds of officers deployed to the 22 polling centres to maintain order. Additional personnel were dispatched from areas not holding elections to reinforce security in key locations.
According to the Elections Act, presiding officers must open ballot boxes and count votes at the polling stations in an open procedure that allows public scrutiny. Agents can photograph official results forms, and each station is required to display its tally for public viewing.
The contest in Malava has narrowed into a fierce duel between United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate David Ndakwa, the former minority leader in the Kakamega County Assembly, and Panyako, a vocal critic of the government.
The elections, covering National Assembly, Senate, and County Assembly seats, are taking place in 22 constituencies and wards, drawing attention from security agencies, observers, and the public.
The affidavit states that Albert was arrested on June 7, 2025, at the family home by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, allegedly acting under DIG Lagat’s instructions. Authorities reportedly accused Albert of circulating information linking the DIG to corruption within the police service.
In a detailed statement on Wednesday, KNCHR chairperson Claris Ogangah said the Commission had documented worrying cases of aggression and interference during campaigns for Senatorial, National Assembly and County Assembly seats. She noted that the incidents not only endangered candidates and supporters but also threatened the rights that protect Kenya’s democratic space.
UDA criticised attempts to link state agencies to the claims of interference, insisting that officers on the ground were only performing their duty to secure the exercise. The party urged Kenyans not to be swayed by talk meant to create suspicion around agencies tasked with protecting voters.
IEBC said ballot materials, trained polling officials and security officers have been sent to all locations, where they will spend the night to ensure voting starts at 6 am without delays. The Commission reminded the public that polling will continue up to 5 pm, and those already in line at closing time will be allowed to vote.
According to the commission, the goal is to ensure every voter is able to cast their ballot in a calm and orderly setting. The IEBC said the National Police Service has deployed enough personnel not only to man the polling centres but also to guard tallying points and other key locations within the constituencies holding the by-elections.
In a statement read by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Wednesday, the coalition warned that the ruling regime was employing multiple strategies to frustrate the people’s will.
The event took place at Sanaa Hall, Kenya National Library Services, Nairobi, and was presided over by Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services.
KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah said the county had acted in total contravention of the Constitution, the Public Service Commission Human Resource Policy, and the Labour Relations Act by ignoring legitimate concerns raised by medical staff.
Speaking at the 3rd Regional Africa Witness Protection Association Conference, Ingonga said stronger coordination among African states was essential to strengthening justice systems and ensuring that witnesses are protected from intimidation and retaliation.
In a public notice released on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, KeNHA urged motorists planning to use the highway to consider alternative routes or adjust their travel schedules.
Speaking on Wednesday after assessing security and logistical arrangements, Ethekon said security agencies had deployed officers across all 22 electoral areas to guarantee safety throughout the voting process.
Speaking on Wednesday, during his maiden official visit to the regulatory agency, Duale said the government would not tolerate weak enforcement or regulatory lapses that endanger the lives of Kenyans.
The CS said the withdrawals were timely because election campaigns had ended, and there was no longer a need for politicians to be constantly escorted. He added that any person attempting to interfere with the voting process would be treated like any other suspect under the law.
Murkomen added that security officers have prepared for a peaceful exercise and will focus on making sure every voter, including those who worry about violence, feels safe enough to participate.
According to the report, courts received 31,460 Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases during the year, showing a 0.9 per cent rise that the Judiciary connects to growing confidence among survivors. Grievous harm and assault made up most of the filings, contributing close to three-quarters of the total, while matters involving minors accounted for about 19 per cent.
During the meeting, Kagwe raised concerns about the widening trade gap, pointing out that Kenya bought goods worth about USD 4.5 billion (Sh581.5 billion) from China in 2024, while its exports to the Asian nation were valued at only USD 290 million (Sh37.5 billion). Most of the exported produce consisted of raw agricultural items, mainly tea and avocados.
According to the National Police Service, officers on routine patrol intercepted the suspects as they were loading what appeared to be stolen household items into a vehicle. The pair tried to flee but were quickly apprehended.