The National Police Service has cautioned politicians against interfering with the five by-elections scheduled for November 27, 2025, warning that any individual found engaging in unlawful activities will face the full force of the law.
Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said in a statement issued on November 26, 2025, that the police have noted with concern statements from various political leaders alleging planned state interference in the mini-polls. “The National Police Service wishes to make it categorically clear that it remains an independent and professional institution whose mandate is to maintain law and order and facilitate a free, fair and peaceful electoral process,” Kanja stated. “Any person, regardless of their political affiliation or status, who attempts to disrupt the by-elections through violence, voter bribery, intimidation or any other illegal means will be arrested and prosecuted without fear or favour.”
The warning follows public remarks by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, the leader of the Democratic Congress Party, who on November 24 claimed that certain state agencies were planning to manipulate the outcome in at least two of the five constituencies. Speaking at a rally in Nyeri, Gachagua alleged that police officers had been instructed to look the other way while ruling party agents engage in ballot stuffing and voter suppression. “We have credible intelligence that the same tactics used in past by-elections are being prepared again,” Gachagua told supporters. “We will not accept another stolen election. The people must be allowed to choose their leaders freely.”
Similar concerns were raised by Azimio coalition co-principal Eugene Wamalwa and several parliamentary candidates contesting the seats. Wamalwa demanded the immediate redeployment of all police commanders in the affected constituencies, claiming some had been compromised.
The by-elections will be held in Magarini (Kilifi County), Kisumu West (Kisumu County), Ugunja (Siaya County), Banisa (Mandera County), and Kigumo (Murang’a County) following the deaths, resignations, or court-nullified elections of the previous holders. Over 480,000 registered voters are expected to participate across the five constituencies.
Police have deployed more than 4,200 officers to the polling areas, with additional General Service Unit and Rapid Deployment Unit personnel placed on standby. Kanja confirmed that command centres have been established in each constituency and that aerial surveillance will be conducted in remote areas of Magarini and Banisa. “Security has been heightened nationwide, with particular focus on the five constituencies,” he said. “We have put in place adequate measures to ensure voters exercise their democratic right without fear or intimidation.”
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairperson Wafula Chebukati assured the public that all electoral materials were dispatched on schedule and that polling stations will open at 6 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. as required by law. “We have engaged all security agencies and political actors to guarantee a credible process,” Chebukati said during a media briefing in Nairobi. “Any attempt to undermine the will of the people will be met with swift action.”
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen dismissed the rigging allegations as baseless propaganda. “The government has no interest in who wins these seats,” Murkomen said in a televised address. “Our only interest is in ensuring peace and stability. Those spreading rumours of state interference are simply preparing an excuse for defeat.”
Human rights organisations welcomed the police warning but called for greater transparency. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights urged the deployment of independent observers inside polling stations and the publication of voter turnout figures in real time to prevent manipulation.
Voting will be conducted in 842 polling stations across the five constituencies, with results expected to start trickling in from 6 p.m. on November 27. The outcomes are being closely watched as an indicator of shifting political alliances ahead of the 2027 general election.
