Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
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.
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.
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.
Filed as Constitutional Petition No. E757 of 2025, the case challenges the legality of the National Tallying Centre, Section 39 of the Elections Act, and Regulation 83(2). Omtatah says these provisions create extra layers of verification at the county and national level, grant powers to County Returning Officers and the IEBC Chairperson to re-check or change results, and delay public access to election outcomes. He insists these measures contradict the Constitution and invite unnecessary interference and delays.
The statement comes in response to a letter from Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, dated November 24, 2025. Gachagua had alleged that a senior IEBC officer was obstructing or influencing the by-election process. IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon confirmed the letter had been received and the issues thoroughly noted.
In a statement, Gachagua claimed that clear instructions had been issued by what he described as a “cowardly and brutal regime” to prevent his team from entering the town.
Commissioner Hassan Noor Hassan supervised the release of ballot papers and statutory forms from the warehouse, noting that the teams handling the consignments had been briefed and equipped for the task. He said the commission had concluded all internal arrangements and was now focused on getting the materials to the designated regions in good time.
The commission also called on the public to avoid circulating misinformation on social media that could affect the registration process. The current Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which resumed on September 29, 2025, deliberately excludes the 24 electoral areas holding by-elections to maintain the focus on the integrity of the registration.
The delivery, overseen by Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, arrived on Thursday night and included 10 pallets containing ballot papers and statutory forms. The Commission said the remaining 29 pallets are expected to be delivered on Friday at 7:30 pm.