IEBC vice chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah addressing presiding officers and the security personnel who have been deployed to the polling stations for Ugunja by-election, November 26, 2025. /IEBCIEBC has issued its final briefing ahead of Thursday’s by-elections, detailing comprehensive plans for results management, transparency, security, and access to tallying centres as voters in 22 electoral areas prepare to go to the polls.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission clarified that only 22 of the initially listed 24 electoral areas will vote.
This follows the declaration of Reuben Kigen Tobosei (Tembelio Ward, Uasin Gishu county) and Philip Kipkosgei Kiprutto (Metkei Ward, Elgeyo Marakwet county) were gazetted on November 1 as duly elected after IEBC confirmed there were no opponents.
In its update, IEBC emphasised that the results process will begin immediately after the close of polling at 5 pm, with all counting and tabulation taking place at the respective polling stations.
Presiding Officers will open ballot boxes, count votes and record results in full view of agents, observers and the media.
The commission underscored this as part of its ongoing commitment to transparency and public trust.
To reinforce the integrity of the process, agents will be allowed to photograph the official results forms, and a copy of each form will be posted publicly at the polling station.
Returning Officers will then receive all station-level results, verify them and announce constituency-level tallies before formally declaring winners in the presence of agents and accredited stakeholders.
IEBC vice chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah addressing presiding officers and the security personnel who have been deployed to the polling stations for Ugunja by-election, November 26, 2025. /IEBC
Access to tallying centres will remain tightly controlled. IEBC reiterated that only accredited individuals will be allowed inside, stressing the need to maintain a professional and undisturbed environment for election officials.
"In cases where senior elected and party leaders would like to witness the tallying process, we urge all of them to respect the integrity and the importance of the tallying centre and to accord our officials and security the necessary cooperation and support."
"We do not expect any leaders to engage in actions that could disrupt and delay the tallying and announcement of results," the commission warned.
Presiding officers and deputy presiding officers who have been deployed to the polling stations for Ugunja by-election, November 26, 2025. /IEBC
IEBC reminded candidates and political actors that the courts of law remain the lawful avenue for electoral dispute resolution and discouraged them from resorting to confrontational or disruptive conduct in the event of any disputes from the exercise.
The commission assured the public that all necessary measures had been put in place to ensure order throughout the voting and tallying processes.
“The commission, working closely with the National Police Service, has deployed adequate security personnel to all polling stations, tallying centres, and other strategic locations across all 22 by-election areas,” the statement read.
IEBC vice chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah addressing presiding officers and the security personnel who have been deployed to the polling stations for Ugunja by-election, November 26, 2025. /IEBC
In line with efforts to keep the public informed, by-election results will be accessible through IEBC's online portal, forms.iebc.or.ke, as they are verified and announced.
IEBC concluded by calling for cooperation from candidates, political parties, supporters and observers to ensure a smooth, credible and transparent process during and after the vote.
IEBC vice chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah and the security personnel who have been deployed to the polling stations for Ugunja by-election, November 26, 2025. /IEBC
