ELOG Raises Alarm Over Bribery, Harassment and Weak Security Measures in November 27 By-Elections
They reported unauthorized persons, some of whom were identified as “super agents” of political parties, who accessed the polling centres in Kasipul, Malava, and Mbeere North without proper accreditation.
The same law makes provision for charges against the voter who accepts such inducements.Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
The Election Observation Group has expressed serious concern for the integrity of the November 27, 2025, by-elections, citing multiple irregularities that point to deep-seated challenges within Kenya’s electoral process. In a post-election assessment shared Wednesday, the organisation reported a troubling pattern of voter bribery and intimidation, with scant action taken by security agencies deployed to oversee the polls.
According to ELOG’s Program Manager, Mule Musau, the campaign period preceding the by-elections was characterized by widespread cases of violence and coercion. Incidents were recorded in Kasipul, Malava, Mbeere North, Nairobi, and Machakos. Musau said some clashes were attributed to alleged monetary inducements issued by rival political camps, which increased tensions on the ground.
He further revealed that even accredited observers were not spared from hostility. In Kariobangi North, for example, a mob reportedly stopped an observer vehicle and demanded money, effectively obstructing their monitoring activities. Musau criticized the security officers on duty for failing to intervene effectively, saying that such inaction allowed illegal activities to persist and compromised the electoral environment.
ELOG’s long-term observers also recorded incidents of open voter bribery during the campaign period. Musau reiterated that the distribution of foodstuffs, blankets, and such gifts during campaigns constitutes voter bribery under Kenyan law. According to the Electoral Offences Act, any person who offers money or other inducement to influence a voter has committed an offence attracting a fine of not more than Ksh. 2 million, an imprisonment of not more than six years, or both. The same law makes provision for charges against the voter who accepts such inducements.
Other concerns raised by ELOG included the conspicuous participation of top-ranking state officials during the campaigns and perceived use of public resources to advance partisan interests. The observer group warned that such practices risk distorting the political playing field and undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
In addition, ELOG indicated that the IEBC had failed to safeguard the polling stations from external interference. They reported unauthorized persons, some of whom were identified as “super agents” of political parties, who accessed the polling centres in Kasipul, Malava, and Mbeere North without proper accreditation. Musau pointed out that their movement between stations compromised the secrecy and independence of the vote.
It also recommended that IEBC enhances its processes of vetting and tightens controls on election day to avoid a recurrence of such incidents. The group also called for enhanced guidelines on ballot secrecy and prompt legal action against those who violated electoral laws during the mini polls. The IEBC has since gazetted the winners of all 24 by-elections held across the country. These contests included parliamentary and ward seats, which were declared vacant upon deaths of former officeholders or appointments of incumbents into government positions. The outcomes have been closely watched as different political parties seek to gauge their influence and voter mood in the lead-up to the 2027 General Election.
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