Majority of Kenyans say November 27 polls were not free and fair — Infotrak survey

A marginal eight per cent of the respondents said the elections were "very free, fair and credible".

The majority of Kenyans believe the November 27 by-elections were not free and fair, a new survey by Infotrak shows.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) conducted mini elections across 24 electoral areas to fill vacant seats following the death and resignation of incumbents or successful appeal of 2022 election results.

"To what extent do you believe IEBC conducted the recent by-elections in a free, fair and credible manner?" Infotrak posed the question to interviewees.

31 per cent said the polls were not free, fair and credible, 29 per cent said they were somewhat free, fair and credible, while only 16 per cent said they were mostly free, fair and credible.

A marginal eight per cent of the respondents said the elections were "very free, fair and credible".

Another 15 per cent of the respondents said they could not say whether the polls were free, fair, and credible, while a marginal two per cent preferred not to answer.

The survey, financed by Infotrak Research and Consulting, was conducted between December 19 and 20, 2025, through computer-assisted telephone interviews. 

A total of 1,000 respondents aged 18 and above were interviewed across all 47 counties, with the sample frame guided by the 2019 census.

There was a 99 per cent response rate with a +or - 3.10 per cent margin of error at 95 per cent degree of confidence.

"Where the achieved interviews differed slightly from intended sampled proportions per demographic group, the dataset was weighted to correcte for over or under sampling thus ensuring the sample was proportionately representative of the target population," Infotrak said.

The IEBC conducted by-elections for the Member of Senate in Baringo County and for Members of the National Assembly in Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja Constituencies.

It also held polls across 15 wards of Angata Nanyokie Ward in Samburu County, Chemundu/Kapng’etuny Ward in Nandi County, Chewani Ward in Tana River County, Fafi Ward in Garissa County, Kariobangi North Ward in Nairobi City County, Kisa East Ward in Kakamega County, Mumbuni North Ward in Machakos County, Narok Town Ward in Narok County, Purko Ward in Kajiado County, Nyansiongo, Nyamaiya, Ekerenyo Wards in Nyamira County, Kabuchai/Chwele Ward in Bungoma County, Lake Zone and Nanaam Wards in Turkana County

The commission declared that there would be no contests in the Mitkei and Tembelio wards, as the candidates nominated in these areas would automatically take office without a vote, as they had no opponents.

The elections were marred by violence, intimidation and alleged voter bribery in some electoral areas.