LIVE UPDATE: IEBC Conducts By-Elections in 22 Regions Across Kenya, Including Mbeere North and Kasipul
Kenyans are heading to the polls today as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) carries out by-elections in 22 electoral areas across the country.
These mini-polls are spread across 18 counties and include National Assembly seats, a Senate seat, and several County Assembly wards.
Originally, the by-elections were set to take place in 24 areas, but the number dropped to 22 after the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) secured automatic wins in two wards.
According to Gazette Notice No. 15732 issued on October 29, 2025, Tembelio Ward in Uasin Gishu and Metkei Ward in Elgeyo Marakwet were declared uncontested after only UDA candidates qualified to run.
Voter turnout is expected to be lower than what is usually seen in a general election, despite the significance of the seats up for grabs.
Key Seats Up for Election
Six constituencies are voting for new Members of Parliament:
- Magarini (Kilifi)
- Banissa (Mandera)
- Mbeere North (Embu)
- Ugunja (Siaya)
- Kasipul (Homa Bay)
- Malava (Kakamega)
Baringo County is also electing a new senator.
In addition, 15 County Assembly wards across various counties, including Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado, Nandi, Turkana, Samburu, Garissa, Bungoma, Nyamira, and Kakamega, are holding their by-elections.
12:06 pm – Low Voter Turnout in Baringo Senatorial Race
The Baringo senatorial by-election is facing a worrying voter turnout, with several polling centres recording no voters at all, while others had less than 6% turnout by mid-morning.
At Kimailel Polling Station, where UDA candidate Kiprono Chemitei is expected to vote, only 26 out of 486 registered voters had cast their ballots by 11:00 am. The voting process is running smoothly, with no technical problems reported.
Political analysts say the extremely low turnout may be linked to KANU leader Gideon Moi withdrawing from the race, leaving Chemitei with almost no major challenger. Most people who turned out were elderly, raising concerns about youth disengagement in electoral processes.
11:17 am – DAP-K Candidate Seth Panyako Arrested
DAP-K’s Malava MP aspirant Seth Panyako has been arrested just hours after claiming his hotel was attacked and his vehicles vandalised overnight.
The party confirmed he is being held at Malava Police Station.
Reports indicate that Panyako went to the police station to report the attack when officers detained him.
DAP-K stated:
“Our candidate, Seth Panyako, has been apprehended and is currently being held at Malava Police Station.”
Unknown individuals are said to have vandalised his hotel property and vehicles, prompting the investigation.
10:29 am – MP Peter Kaluma Attacked in Kasipul
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has been attacked by a mob in Kasipul while attempting to cast his vote at Agoro Sare Polling Station.
He sustained head injuries, and during the chaos, his bodyguard reportedly lost his firearm.
Kaluma has been campaigning for the ODM candidate Boyd Were, who is contesting the parliamentary seat.
9:56 am – Wetang’ula Votes, Calls for Peaceful Polls
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula cast his vote at Namakhele Primary School in Chwele–Kabuchai.
He urged Kenyans across all affected areas to turn out in large numbers and emphasized the need for safety, order, and respect for democracy throughout the voting process.
Wetang’ula assured the public that there are enough police officers across the country to guarantee peaceful voting. He also encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activities.
9:50 am – Chaos in Mbeere North as Muturi Confronts Agent
Tensions flared at Siakago Social Hall in Mbeere North after DP Party Leader Justin Muturi and his team confronted an agent of competitor Leonard Wa Muthende.
Videos obtained by Newshub.co.ke show Muturi ejecting Thuku Kiruga, accusing him of wearing UDA party colours at the polling station—something Muturi says is illegal during elections.
DP, which is supporting Newton Karish, also accused the agent of bribing voters.
Muturi stated:
“You cannot wear party colours inside the polling station, even if you are an agent.”
Earlier, UDA had urged the police to investigate a prison officer accused of bribing voters in Kageri.
UDA’s digital communication deputy head Antonella Kakuko said public officers face serious consequences for electoral offences and urged authorities to act swiftly.
Voting in other regions remains calm and orderly.
9:43 am – Former Machakos MCA Attacked, Rescued by Police
Former Mumbuni North MCA Paul Museku was attacked by a mob at Mung’ala Primary School in Machakos County.
The chaos erupted moments after he arrived at the polling station. Locals accused him of attempting to bribe voters.
Police intervened and rescued him, taking him to safety.
The ward is holding a by-election following the death of former MCA Gideon Kavuu in August 2023. There are 25 polling stations and 13,778 registered voters in the ward.
8:32 am – Smooth Opening in Mbeere North and Kasipul
Polling stations in Kasipul and Mbeere North opened without any incidents.
A Newshub.co.ke spot check revealed heavy police deployment, with roadblocks and vehicle searches to maintain security.
In Mbeere North, voter turnout in the early hours was encouraging, with many residents arriving confidently to vote. Polling centres across the constituency are calm, well-organised, and running without delays.
DP leader Justin Muturi, after voting, said there was no need for hired goons, as the election environment is peaceful.
IEBC confirmed 55,124 registered voters in Mbeere North across 124 polling stations in Evurore, Nthawa, and Muminji wards.
8:36 am – Justin Muturi Casts His Vote Early
Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi cast his vote at Kanyuombora Primary School at around 6:00 am.
His party is fielding Newton Karis, the united opposition candidate, who is running against eight other aspirants in the Mbeere North by-election.
8:01 am – Panyako Claims Assassination Attempt in Night Raid
DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako has claimed that an assassination attempt was made on his life at his Down Hill Hotel in Kaburengu last night.
He says eight vehicles arrived at the hotel around 8:30 pm, with one individual allegedly connected to a ruling party politician trying to lure him outside.
Panyako noticed the person had altered number plates using black tape, raising suspicion. He refused to step outside.
Minutes later, attackers allegedly stormed the hotel and caused significant damage, particularly targeting the room where Panyako and his wife sleep.
He said:
“They came clearly instructed to assassinate me and my wife… If you see the damage, you cannot believe this is a civilised country.”
According to Panyako, several people were seriously injured. One security guard’s stomach was ripped open, and his driver was stabbed in the eye.
Police have not yet issued a statement.
7:24 am – Panyako Casts His Vote in Malava
Before his arrest hours later, United Opposition candidate Seth Panyako cast his vote in Manda-Shivanga Ward.
He is competing against UDA’s David Ndakwa for the Malava parliamentary seat left vacant after the death of MP Malulu Injendi on February 17, 2025.
Join Gen z Official WhatsApp Channel to share your thoughts and stay updated on time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
