High stakes, high turnout: IEBC reports smooth progress in by-elections

The by-elections have pitted the Kenya Kwanza government against the United Opposition. /IEBC/X

From Isiolo’s arid plains to the highlands of Embu and Kakamega, voters turned out in large numbers on Thursday as four crucial by-elections got underway, with the electoral agency reporting smooth operations and strong early turnout.

Voting is underway in four key by-elections across Kenya, with turnout described as robust and polling operations largely smooth, according to a status update released by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

The mini-polls are being held to fill vacant elective seats in Isiolo South Constituency (Member of National Assembly), West Kabras Ward (Kakamega County), and Muminji and Evurore Wards (Embu County).

Polling stations opened at 6.00 a.m. on Thursday and will remain open until 5.00 p.m., with provisions to extend voting hours if any disruptions occur.

“In polling stations where unexpected delay in opening or interruption in voting is experienced, the Presiding Officer shall extend the hours of polling by the amount of time lost,” the press statement read in part.

In its afternoon update, the IEBC said about 45.74 per cent of registered voters in the affected areas had cast their ballots by 1.00 p.m., a strong showing despite chilly weather in some regions.

The by-elections were triggered by a mix of circumstances. The Isiolo South parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of Mohamed Tubi Bidu in November 2025, while the MCA positions in West Kabras, Muminji, and Evurore became vacant after resignations and political shifts.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon thanked Kenyans for waking up early and braving the weather to vote.

He also urged those yet to cast their ballots to head to polling stations and exercise their democratic right.

“We urge eligible voters in Isiolo South Constituency and West Kabras, Muminji, and Evurore wards to turn out and ensure they vote for their candidates of choice,” he said in the statement.

The commission said all eligible voters were being accurately identified using biometric Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) kits, and that any issues reported were being resolved promptly by returning officers.

The electoral agency reiterated the importance of maintaining ballot secrecy, warning voters against photographing or recording marked ballot papers — a practice that undermines electoral integrity and could amount to an offence under the Constitution.

Security measures were also emphasised, with the IEBC and the National Police Service deploying officers at polling stations and tallying centres to ensure a peaceful voting environment.

The commission also disallowed any voter intimidation or interference with election officials.

As voting continues, the IEBC reiterated that any lost time due to delays will be compensated at the close of polls, and that all voters in line by 5.00 p.m. will be allowed to vote, underlining its commitment to inclusive participation in the democratic process.