Voting is underway across key electoral areas in Kenya, as residents of Isiolo County, Kakamega County, and Embu County turn out to elect new leaders in a set of closely watched by-elections.
The mini-polls, seen as a political test ahead of the 2027 General Election, have largely been peaceful, with heavy voter turnout reported in most polling stations despite chilly morning weather.
Isiolo South Parliamentary Race
In Isiolo County, 22,216 registered voters are expected to choose a new Member of Parliament for Isiolo South constituency.
The seat fell vacant following the death of Mohamed Tupi Bidu on November 12, 2025, while receiving treatment at The Nairobi Hospital.
Three candidates are battling for the seat:
Isack Abduba (National Economic Development Party)
Tubi Mohamed (United Democratic Alliance)
Tupi Bina Mohamed (Jubilee Party)
Long queues were observed in several polling stations as voters arrived early to exercise their democratic right.
Mbeere North Ward Contests
In Embu County’s Mbeere North constituency, voters are electing ward representatives in both Muminji and Evurore wards.
The Muminji Ward seat became vacant after MCA Newton Karish resigned to vie for the Mbeere North parliamentary seat.
Seven candidates are contesting the seat, representing a mix of political parties including UDA, UPA, and others.
In Evurore Ward, 10 aspirants are in the race following the resignation of Duncan Mbui, who is also seeking the Mbeere North parliamentary seat.
Reports emerged of youths allegedly blocking vehicles from accessing Kanyuambora Low Cost Primary School, though voting proceeded after intervention by security personnel.
Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi cast his vote at Kanyuambora Low Cost Boarding Primary School and dismissed claims that the United Opposition was planning disruptions in the area.
West Kabras By-Election in Kakamega
In Kakamega County, voters in West Kabras ward turned out in significant numbers at polling centres including Mutsuma Primary School and Imboakalo Comprehensive School.
The seat fell vacant after former MCA David Ndakwa resigned to contest the Malava parliamentary seat, which became vacant following the death of Malulu Injendi.
Six candidates are vying for the seat, among them:
Elphas Shalakha (UDA)
Edward Indimuli (ODM)
Nivah Khisa (DAP-K)
George Michiana (Economic Development Party)
Shivoko Masini (Democratic National Alliance Party)
Bramwel Wasike (Democracy for the Citizens Party)
A total of 11,699 registered voters are expected to participate in the West Kabras election.
IEBC Guidelines and Minor Hiccups
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission confirmed that voting opened at 6 am and will close at 5 pm.
The commission assured voters that anyone in the queue by 5 pm will be allowed to vote, and any time lost at opening will be recovered at closing.
IEBC clarified that only authorised individuals — including voters, polling clerks, presiding officers, security personnel, accredited observers, accredited media, party agents, and IEBC staff — are allowed inside polling stations and tallying centres. It emphasized that the law does not recognise “super agents.”
However, minor technical challenges were reported in West Kabras, where some elderly voters at Mutsuma Primary School could not be identified electronically after KIEMS kits failed to detect their fingerprints.
Officials resorted to alternative verification procedures as provided under electoral regulations.
Political Stakes High
The by-elections have pitted the Kenya Kwanza administration against the United Opposition, making them a significant political litmus test.
They are also the second major electoral contest for President William Ruto since the November 27 by-elections, where his allies secured decisive wins.
As voting continues, attention now turns to voter turnout levels and eventual results, which could shape political momentum as the country gradually shifts focus toward the 2027 General Election.
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Politics