Campaigns for Thursday’s by-elections — marked by widespread political tensions, violence and a fierce rivalry — officially concluded yesterday, 48 hours before polling stations open.
A total of 181 candidates will face off in 24 electoral areas left vacant due to deaths, Cabinet appointments or court nullifications of the 2022 election results.
According to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Kariobangi North Ward in Nairobi and Chewani Ward in Tana River have attracted the highest number of aspirants, with 16 candidates each.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon (right), Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah (centre) and commissioner Hassan Noor Hassan when they appeared before the Constitution Implementation Oversight Committee at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi on September 25, 2025.
Photo credit: DENNIS ONSONGO | NATION
Magarini, Ugunja and Kasipul constituencies have each drawn 10 candidates, while Mbeere North and Malava constituencies have nine candidates seeking to join the National Assembly. In Baringo, six aspirants are vying for the senatorial seat.
The IEBC on Monday assured Kenyans of heightened security across all hotly contested areas as the country heads into the mini-polls. Speaking during an election preparedness tour in Hola, Tana River County, IEBC Commissioner Dr Alutalala Mukhwana said security agencies have already mapped potential flashpoints where political temperatures have escalated.
He noted that several contests are showing signs of intense competition, prompting increased vigilance.
Dr Mukhwana said the government will deploy both plain-clothed and uniformed police officers in identified hotspots to deter violence, protect voters and safeguard the integrity of the election.
“We are engaging all available security apparatus, including plain-clothed officers, to monitor areas where the contest is highly competitive. Our responsibility is to ensure no Kenyan is harmed in the process of choosing their leaders,” he said.
He urged politicians to ensure their supporters respect electoral rules and maintain peace. “There is no place for chaos before, during or after voting. Leaders must understand that their conduct directly influences the behaviour of their followers,” he added.
Dr Mukhwana said the success of Thursday’s by-elections will signal Kenya’s readiness for the 2027 General Election, adding that the IEBC is committed to delivering a peaceful and transparent exercise.
Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi alleged that the opposition planned to cause violence after “sensing defeat”. At the same time, President Ruto’s UDA party demanded that Mr Gachagua, now the Democracy for Citizens Party leader, be barred from the constituency.
UDA National Chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire accused Mr Gachagua of ferrying “goons” from Kirinyaga and Nairobi’s Kayole to spark chaos. Mr Gachagua, however, warned that any attempts to rig the by-election will be met with strong resistance.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku also alleged that the opposition had hired youths from Githurai and other Nairobi estates to disrupt voting and blame residents as both camps continued to trade accusations of rigging plots, raising tensions in the area.
However, Mbeere North Returning Officer John Kinyua assured voters that the IEBC will use the 2022 voters register, dismissing claims that the commission intended to use the 2017 register to lock out voters.
“We shall conduct a free, fair and transparent poll. There should be no cause for alarm,” he said at the IEBC offices in Siakago.
His remarks followed claims by former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi that the IEBC planned to use the outdated register to disenfranchise voters.
UDA’s candidate in the Mbeere North by-election, Mr Leonard Muthende, was a no-show in Sunday’s public debate hosted by Inooro TV despite confirmation that he had been invited.
Mr Muthende did not respond to our calls and messages seeking comment(s) on why he missed out on an opportunity to address the Mt Kenya nation on the by-election being followed closely in the region.
Other candidates in the race are Albert Murimi (National Vision Party), Daniel Ireri (Kenya Moja Movement), Duncan Mbui (Chama Cha Kazi), Lawrence Ireri (Safina party), Newton Kariuki (DP), Reuben Kamathai (Alliance Party for Real Change), Rev Isaac Muringi (United Progressive Party) and Simon Waiharo (Umoja na Maendeleo).
In Kasipul, the race has narrowed to a two-horse contest between ODM’s Boyd Were and independent candidate Philip Aroko.
ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga led the party’s final campaign push in Oyugis on Monday.
“Time is now, Kasipul. Turn up to vote for Boyd Were,” she urged supporters.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga (background, left) and her deputy, Oyugi Magwanga (background, right). Foreground: Kasipul by-election candidates Boyd Were (left) and Philip Aroko.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Other contestants are Jeazmin Aoko (Independent), Rateng Otiende (United Progressive Alliance), Collins Omondi (Movement for Democracy and Growth), Jesse Okello (Democratic National Alliance), Robert Ouko (Labour Party of Kenya (LPK) and Isaac Kiche of Kenya Moja.
In Mumbuni North Ward in Machakos, the contest has also morphed into a two-horse race between Harrison Wambua (Maendeleo Chap Chap) and Antony Kisoi (Wiper).
Although UDA’s Misi Mutua and others mounted energetic campaigns, the race has largely been framed as a proxy battle between Maendeleo Chap Chap leader Alfred Mutua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti who led Wiper’s campaign urged residents to vote for Mr Kisoi to bolster Mr Musyoka’s national political standing ahead of 2027.
“Mount Kenya and the Lake Region are closely watching this by-election. Let us uphold the honour of the Kamba community by voting for Antony Kisoi,” she said at Sweet Waters Township.
Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, leading Mr Wambua’s team, dismissed claims that the contest is a rehearsal for the 2027 presidential race.
“We are electing a ward representative, not a president. Mumbuni North deserves representation,” he said.
Mr Mutua’s team, including MPs Caleb Mule and Mwengi Mutuse, argued that Maendeleo Chap Chap should retain the seat since the late MCA Gideon Kavuu was elected on the party’s ticket.
Wiper Patriotic Front Leader Kalonzo Musyoka arrives at Ngalula in Adu Ward as he leads United Opposition campaigns in Magarini constituency for DCP candidate Stanley Karisa Kenga on November 24, 2025.
Photo credit: Pool
The United Opposition leaders, meanwhile, have described the November 27 mini polls as a litmus test for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
The leaders, led by People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, Jubilee Deputy Party leader Dr Fred Matiang’i, politician Mukhisa Kituyi and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, stated that any errors in the mini polls will be a reason to send the team home before the 2027 General Election.
DAP-K deputy party leader George Natembeya, who is also Trans-Nzoia governor (m), and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale of UDA (rt) address voters of Malava Constituency in Kakamega on October 29, 2025, during the campaign for parliamentary candidate Seth Panyako (in blue shirt) ahead of the October 27 by-elections.
Photo credit: Isaac Wale | Nation Media Group
They were speaking at Ekerenyo in Nyamira County on Sunday, when they drummed up support for their preferred candidates in the Nyamaiya, Ekerenyo and Nyansiongo ward by-elections.
By Stephen Oduor, Mwangi Muiruri, George Munene, George Odiwuor and Pius Maundu
