By-elections held on November 27, 2025, in areas like Mbeere North and Malava featured intense competition and claims of violence and intimidation. UDA candidates won parliamentary seats, while DCP secured three ward seats. Matiang'i criticized the government for abusing power during the polls.
The by-elections held on November 27, 2025, across several areas in Kenya were overshadowed by claims of violence, intimidation, and electoral law violations. In Mbeere North, Embu County, UDA's Leonard Wa Muthende won with 15,802 votes against DP's Newton Kariuki's 15,308. This narrow victory, by a margin of 494 votes, followed Geoffrey Ruku's appointment as Public Service Cabinet Secretary.
In Malava Constituency, UDA's David Athman Ndakwa secured 21,264 votes, defeating DAP-K's Seth Panyako who got 19,306. Panyako alleged violations in 54 polling stations and government-incited violence to scare voters. Similarly, in Banissa, Mandera County, UDA's Ahmed Maalim Hassan won with 10,431 votes.
Rigathi Gachagua's DCP party claimed three ward seats: David Warui in Kariobangi North with 2,282 votes; Aduda Okwiri in Kisa East with 1,952; and Douglas Masikonde in Narok Town with 6,007 against UDA's 4,479. Gachagua accused the government of using goons and police to burn ballot boxes and claimed he was tear-gassed during campaigning on November 24.
ELOG observers, led by Victor Nyongesa, reported breaches of ballot secrecy in many stations, sporadic violence, and restrictions on voters. Ninety-three percent of stations were rated good, but 6.6% had issues, with turnout below 50%. UDA's Hassan Omar stated the results endorse the Kenya Kwanza government.
On November 29, Fred Matiang'i, Jubilee Deputy Party Leader, criticized the government at a funeral in Mbeere North, saying, 'Power comes and goes; ask me, I was Interior Minister once.' He warned that abusing authority could lead to unrest like in other African countries.
Moses Kuria denied claims his Chama Cha Kazi split votes in Mbeere North, noting his candidate Duncan Mbui received only 2,480 votes and no alliances were made.
