IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon speaks to the media after assessing the preparations and security arrangements for the Kasipul by-election on November 26, 2025. /ERASTUS ETHEKON/XIndependent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairperson Erastus Ethekon has strongly condemned isolated cases of violence, intimidation and disruptions reported during Thursday’s by-elections as voting came to a close.
Voting closed at 5 pm, and counting is expected to commence immediately in most centres.
In a statement on X, the electoral agency boss said elections are a democratic exercise, and no individual or group has the right to compromise the peace, safety or integrity of the process.
“We are working closely with security agencies to ensure swift action against any perpetrators and to restore calm where disturbances have occurred,” Ethekon said.
“I urge all candidates, supporters and political actors to uphold the principles of peaceful participation and respect for the rule of law,” he added.
Scenes of violence were witnessed in several polling areas, resulting in injuries in some cases.
In Kakamega County, DAP-K Malava MP seat aspirant Seth Panyako broke down at the Lunyu polling station in Manda-Shivanga Ward as he recounted how his home was allegedly attacked by goons on the eve of the election, leaving his driver and watchman injured.
Elsewhere in Kasipul, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma and his bodyguard sustained injuries after they were attacked during the by-election.
The bodyguard’s firearm was reportedly stolen during the incident. The MP was seen bleeding from the head after being struck with what is suspected to have been a stone.
Kaluma said he had arrived at the Agoro Sare polling station, where he intended to stay the entire day as an ODM observer, when he was attacked by suspected goons.
“This is unacceptable,” he said, urging voters not to be afraid to come out and cast their ballots.
“Don’t worry about what is happening. Come out and vote. These people want to cause violence so that they can scare people from voting.”
Acts of violence and intimidation were also reported in parts of Mbeere North, including Kanyuambora, where Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku cast his vote.
In Embu and other areas, alleged attempts at rigging were reportedly thwarted by boda boda riders, who intercepted an SUV suspected of ferrying marked ballot papers.
The IEBC, however, dismissed the allegations, calling the reports misleading and inaccurate.
“Our ballot management procedures make such claims practically impossible. Voting is conducted in the full presence of agents, observers and the media. Each ballot paper contains multiple security features that cannot be reproduced,” the commission said in a statement.
Ethekon urged the public to rely on official communication from the commission and to refrain from spreading unverified information that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
The commission conducted by-elections across 22 polling areas. Polling closed at 5pm, and vote counting is expected to begin immediately.
