Voters keep off polling as goons unleash chaos

Thursday’s by-elections across several constituencies and wards descended into grim scenes of violence, exposing the worst in politicians and their supporters.

What was expected to be a routine democratic exercise quickly turned volatile, with chaos erupting in multiple polling stations as party agents clashed in the full glare of the public.

In some regions, voters kept away altogether, discouraged by fears of violence or disillusioned by the political tensions that had built up in the run-up to the vote.

Polling officials reported significantly low turnout in the early hours of the day, a trend that persisted even as security was reinforced and local leaders urged residents to exercise their civic duty.

Compounding the tension were technical failures at several centres, where Kiems kits stalled, delayed verification of voters, or failed completely —fuelling frustration among those who had braved the uncertainty to cast their ballots. In some stations, voting was temporarily halted as officials scrambled to restore operations, deepening the sense of disorder that marked the day.

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Ethekon last evening asked the police to investigate the disruptions, terming the violence unacceptable and warning that perpetrators would face legal consequences. He said the incidents undermined public confidence in the process and put both officials and voters at risk.

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairperson Dr Erastus Edung Ethekon in Kisumu on November 26, 2025. Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group

“The commission urges and calls upon all security officers assigned to IEBC duties, as well as those deployed generally in the by-election areas, to remain on high alert, vigilant and responsive in preventing and managing any acts of violence, lawlessness, or disruptions, including during the crucial phases of counting, tallying and declaration of results,” Mr Ethekon said.

“The IEBC Elections Code of Conduct Committee will take action on any complaints relating to breaches of the Elections Code of Conduct, the Elections Act and all other laws governing elections in Kenya,” he said.

In Embu’s Mbeere North Constituency, two groups clashed last evening as vote counting was ongoing, momentari