The Elections Observation Group (ELOG) has released its preliminary report on the November 27, 2025, by-elections, revealing widespread voter access challenges, operational weaknesses, and pockets of electoral interference across 22 constituencies and wards.

In the statement issued on Friday, 28 November 2025, in Nairobi, ELOG said the findings highlight “systemic vulnerabilities that must be urgently addressed ahead of the 2027 general election.”

According to the organisation, which deployed 100 trained roving observers, the team monitored Election Day processes, including opening, voting, closing, and counting across regions such as Baringo, Mbeere North, Mumbuni, Purko, Narok Town, Kasipul, Malava, and Kariobangi North.

ELOG noted that the approach “enables observers to respond rapidly to emerging incidents and provide timely, verified updates on the conduct of the elections.”

The observers covered 46 polling stations during opening, 97 during voting hours, and 21 during closing and counting.

ELOG stated that “by the time this preliminary statement went to press, the verification and consolidation of results from the tabulation process had not yet been finalized.”

Electoral Environment and Major Observations

ELOG said the E-Day processes were affected by “reported and verified cases of electoral-related violence, logistical weaknesses during opening, high levels of assisted voting, ballot secrecy violations in 15.2% of polling stations, voter access challenges that led to turned-away voters in 42% of stations, unauthorized persons in polling environments, political interference in isolated cases, observer security threats, and improper queue management at closing.”

Despite these gaps, the organisation emphasised that “these weaknesses did not fundamentally undermine the overall credibility of the by-elections.”

Party agents were present in 77% of polling stations.

However, ELOG noted that “20.3% of polling stations visited did not observe the presence of independent candidates and party agents.”

Additionally, unauthorized people were seen in 9.2% of polling stations, while 2.6% of observers experienced access restrictions.

The group graded 93.4% of stations as having good or very good conduct.

Opening of Polling Stations

ELOG reported that 83% of polling stations opened on time or earlier, while 17% experienced delays, including “4.8% that opened after 6:30 a.m.”

The group confirmed that 86% had all officials present at opening time.

Challenges with KIEMS kits were recorded in 1.6% of stations, though all observers confirmed that strategic materials were present everywhere.

Also Read: Complete By-Election Results for Mbeere North, Kasipul & Malava

Voting Day: Turned-Away Voters and Secrecy Breaches

By polling close, most observed stations had recorded turnout below 50%.

Assisted voting was widespread, occurring in 65.9% of polling stations.

ELOG said that while the oath of secrecy was confirmed in 74.1% of cases, observers “could not verify compliance in 25.9%, raising concerns over the protection of vote secrecy for vulnerable voters.”

One of the most significant findings was that 42% of polling stations turned away voters.

According to ELOG:

• 54.1% of those turned away were at the wrong polling station,
• 24.3% had missing names in the register, and
• 21.6% lacked identification documents.

“These challenges reflect shortcomings in voter education and verification gaps,” the group said.

The secrecy of the ballot was also compromised in 15.2% of polling stations, “a serious threat to free voter choice,” ELOG warned.

Disruptions, Violence and Presence of ‘Super Agents’

While the layout supported orderly movement in most stations, 17.4% lacked clear signage. ELOG observed the presence of “super agents”, including MPs and party leaders who remained in or around polling stations after voting, raising concerns of intimidation.

Violence was reported in several areas, including clashes at Kariobangi North Primary School, where youths confronted each other over alleged monetary inducements.

“The unrest was reportedly linked to disputes over unequal distribution,” the report stated.

In Machakos, Labour CS Alfred Mutua was chased by angry voters, while at Mungala polling station, Chap Chap and UDA supporters reportedly attacked a Wiper supporter.

Cases of unauthorized persons acting as de facto agents were observed, particularly in Mumbuni and Kariobangi North.

Observers also witnessed voters photographing marked ballot papers before being compelled to delete the images, acts which ELOG described as “clear violations of electoral law.”

Also Read: What Next for Ruto, Gachagua, and Kalonzo After the By-Election Shake-Up?

Closing and Counting, ELOG Recommendations

The closing and counting process was largely compliant, with 90.5% of stations closing at exactly 5pm.

Ballot seals were publicly verified, lighting was adequate and ballots were audibly called out.

Disputes occurred in 10% of stations but were resolved on-site.

ELOG issued a series of preliminary recommendations, calling on IEBC to “provide timely information,” address “breaches of the code of conduct,” and enforce strict rules on super agents.

The group urged intensified voter education, compliance with assisted voting procedures, and accountability for misconduct, including ballot photography and voter intimidation.

“The National Police Service should expediently investigate the blatant cases of electoral violence,” the statement added.

ELOG concluded by encouraging voters to uphold electoral law and avoid disorderly conduct, saying: “Public confidence in the electoral process depends not only on institutions, but also on the conduct and responsibility of all citizens.”

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IEBC Chair Erastus Ethokon speaking at past event. PHOTO/pixels