Polling stations opened at 6am on Thursday in several Kenyan constituencies, marking the start of by-elections in Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Banisa. Voting will continue until 5pm, with any delays compensated to ensure all voters already in line get the chance to cast their ballots.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has assured Kenyans that the exercise will be conducted in a secure, transparent, and well-coordinated manner.
Voters across the country started streaming into polling stations, with security officials and observers ensuring a smooth voting experience. The exercise is being closely monitored in constituencies where tight races and historical disputes have raised public interest.
In Magarini, voting commenced at Mjanaheri Primary School in Maureen. Observers report that some voters had difficulties identifying where to cast their votes, but the overall mood remained calm.
At Mapimo Secondary School, one of the 193 polling stations in Magarini Ward, the exercise started exactly at 6:00 am. Police officers were stationed at the centre, and early reports indicate a steady flow of voters casting ballots.
In Malava, polling began on time at 6:00 am, with some voters having cast their votes already.
Mbeere North saw a slight delay at Kanyambora Primary School, one of the busiest polling centres.
The gates opened a few minutes after the official start as staff confirmed voter registration details. This constituency has nine candidates vying to replace Geoffrey Ruku in the 13th Parliament for the remainder of the term.
In Banisa, Mandera County, voters began arriving at Banisa Primary School promptly at 6:00 am. This polling centre has four stations, with separate queues for men and women in line with local customs.
Residents are voting to fill a seat left vacant after the passing of the late Maalim Hassan in March 2023. Two candidates are contesting: Ahmed Maalim Hassan, the younger brother of the late MP, representing UDA, and a UPA candidate.
Concerns have been raised about possible rigging, but IEBC Commissioner Hassan Nur Hassan has assured voters that the process will be free from manipulation. Banisa constituency has 32,000 registered voters across five wards.
The IEBC confirmed readiness for the nationwide by-elections in a statement on Wednesday evening. Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said all logistics and operations were in place.
“The IEBC wishes to inform the nation that all preparations for the by-elections scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025, across 22 electoral areas have been completed. Polling will commence at 6:00 am in all designated polling stations,” the statement read.
The country’s political landscape is also on high alert as the by-elections take shape. Observers say today’s voting could reshape Kenya’s political balance and influence the standing of major figures, including President William Ruto.
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