Voters in four Kenyan areas are set to cast ballots today in by-elections for one parliamentary seat and three wards. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has confirmed full readiness. Opposition leaders were absent during campaigns, while UDA figures actively participated.
These by-elections cover the Isiolo South parliamentary seat and the wards of West Kabras in Kakamega County, along with Evurore and Muminji in Embu County. Campaigns officially closed on Monday, with candidates making final appeals.
The absence of opposition leaders has sparked debate among residents, some feeling the polls did not receive the attention they deserved. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki appeared several times, accompanied by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, and Senator Alexander Mundigi. They urged residents to back UDA candidates to strengthen cooperation between county and national governments.
The Evurore and Muminji seats became vacant after Duncan Mbui and Newton Kariuki resigned to contest the Mbeere North parliamentary seat, but lost to United Democratic Alliance's Leonard Wa Muthende Njeru. The Isiolo South seat opened following the death of MP Mohamed Bidu, while West Kabras vacated after David Ndakwa was elected MP for Malava.
The IEBC has completed distribution of materials, including KIEMS machines, and officials received training on professionalism and procedures. Polling stations will open at 6 a.m. and close at 5 p.m.
However, violence was reported in Embu, where a Devolution Empowerment Party supporter was stabbed to death during campaigning. Police are investigating suspects. Kindiki called on Isiolo and Mbeere North residents to maintain peace, expressing confidence that UDA would win all seats.
In Isiolo South, UDA's Mohamed Tubi faces his sister Bina Mohamed of Jubilee Party, among others. In West Kabras, UDA's Elphas Shalakha competes against candidates from ODM, DAP-K, and smaller parties. These polls are viewed as a gauge of political strength ahead of the 2027 general election.