Polls open in the 22 electoral areas across the country as Kenyans vote in the 2025 by-elections.
Initially, there were 24 electoral areas, but the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) secured early victories in two wards after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared them uncontested.
In Gazette Notice No. 15732 dated October 29, 2025, the IEBC announced that the Tembelio Ward in Uasin Gishu County and the Metkei Ward in Elgeyo Marakwet County will not hold competitive elections after only UDA candidates were validly nominated.
Kenyans in 18 counties will get to cast their votes, with the polls expected to have a low turnout compared to the general election.
Six National Assembly constituencies are up for grabs, being Magarini Constituency (Kilifi), Banissa Constituency (Mandera), Mbeere North Constituency (Embu), Ugunja Constituency (Siaya), Kasipul Constituency (Homa Bay), and Malava Constituency (Kakamega), plus one Senate seat in Baringo County.
Voters will also go to the polls in a number of county assembly wards across 15 electoral areas, including Kariobangi North Ward (Nairobi City), Chewani Ward (Tana River), Fafi Ward (Garissa), Mumbuni North Ward (Machakos), Lake Zone Ward and Nanaam Ward (Turkana), Angata Nanyokie Ward (Samburu), Chemundu/Kapng’etuny Ward (Nandi), Narok Town Ward (Narok), Purko Ward (Kajiado), Kisa East Ward (Kakamega), wards in Nyamira County (Nyansiongo, Nyamaiya, and Ekerenyo), and one in Bungoma County (Kabuchai/Chwele).
Polls Open in Mbeere North & Kasipul, No Incidents
No incidents have been reported in Kasipul and Mbeere North as polls open.
A spot check by Kenyans.co.ke has found that there is a heavy deployment of police in the two areas, with police mounting roadblocks and conducting searches of cars.
In Mbeere North, voters turned out in significant numbers, confidently streaming into polling stations to elect their next Member of Parliament. The polls have so far been peaceful and orderly across all polling centres. Voting is seamless, calm, and steady.
"There are no goons here. We have no reason to bring goons to bring goods who can discourage voters from coming to vote," said the Democratic Party (DP) party leader, Justin Muturi, moments after casting his vote.
According to IEBC, there are 55,124 registered voters in Mbeere North expected to take part in the exercise in 124 polling stations spread across the three wards of Evurore, Nthawa, and Muminji.
An elderly woman casting her vote in the MP by-election at the Siakago Social Hall in Siakago, Mbeere North, November 27, 2025.PhotoUDAJustin Muturi Votes In Mbeere North
Democratic Party of Kenya (DP) party leader Justin Muturi cast his vote early Thursday morning in Mbeere North at Kanyuombora Primary School.
The former cabinet secretary and National Assembly Speaker voted at around 6:00 AM shortly after the polling stations were opened for voting.
The Democratic Party has fielded Newton Karis, the united opposition candidate contesting in the Mbeere North by-election against 8 other opponents.
DP Party leader JB Muturi casting his vote at Kanyambura Primary School on 27th November 2025DCP TVPanyako Alleges Assassination Plot in Night Raid
Seth Panyako has accused the government of an attempted assassination last night. According to the DAP-K candidate, eight cars arrived at his Down Hill Hotel, Kaburengu, where he was spending the night. Panyakoo owns the hotel as well.
He claims that around 8:30pm, an individual linked to the ruling party arrived at the premises and requested him to come out and talk to him. However, a review of the car he was using revealed that the individual used black tape to alter number plates, raising suspicion.
Panyako refused to see him, insisting he come in. However, the individual refused to come in. Minutes later, Panyako claims his hotel was attacked, with the majority of damage being where he and his wife sleep.
“They had been instructed clearly to come and assassinate me and my wife because I know the party leader told you that I was doing 52 per cent,” he said.
“If you go to that hotel and see the damage that has been caused, you can't believe that we are in a civilised country,” he told the press moments after voting.
According to him and his party, several people were injured in the attack last night. "They came, they went straight to the room where I normally sleep with my wife, and they damaged it, and they damaged the entire hotel," Panyako claimed.
Adding, "They had knives and caused serious harm, as I'm coming from Webuye. One of my security people is in the theatre; his stomach was torn apart. My driver took a knife in the eye.”
Police are yet to comment on the matter.
Malava Constituency MP Aspirant Seth Panyako Casts Vote
Malava Constituency MP aspirant Seth Panyako casts his vote in Manda-Shivanga Ward.
Panyako is the candidate for the United Opposition, primarily fronted by the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K).
He and David Ndakwa of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party are considered the main challengers for the seat left vacant following the passing of MP Malulu Injendi on February 17, 2025.
Malava Constituency MP aspirant Seth Panyako casts his vote in Manda-Shivanga Ward, November 27, 2025.PhotoDCP