Tension as 39 Pallets of Ballot Papers Arrive Ahead of Heated Nov 27 By-Elections
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has moved into the final and most sensitive phase of preparation for the highly anticipated November 27, 2025 by-elections, following the arrival of the first and largest consignment of ballot materials. The Commission, led by Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, confirmed that it received the first batch consisting of 10 pallets of ballot papers and statutory forms on the evening of November 19, 2025. This shipment is part of a larger consignment expected to facilitate smooth voting across several constituencies preparing for the by-polls.
According to the Commission, the remaining 29 pallets are scheduled to arrive on the evening of November 20, 2025 at 7:30 pm, completing the delivery of all ballot materials required for the by-elections. This final batch marks the last phase of international logistical coordination before the materials can be dispatched to individual polling centres.
The ballot papers were printed at Inform Lykos (Hellas) SA in Athens, Greece, a company often contracted by Kenya for sensitive electoral printing due to its secure systems, international certification, and tight handling protocols. The printing contract, IEBC revealed, cost Ksh 27 million, underscoring the financial and logistical magnitude of organizing even localized by-elections.
Planned Dispatch Begins on November 21, 2025
With all materials expected in Kenya by November 20, the IEBC has scheduled dispatch operations to begin on Friday, November 21, 2025. The dispatch process will involve strict security oversight, multi-agency coordination, political party observation, and chain-of-custody documentation. Given the heightened public scrutiny and political tension surrounding elections, IEBC says its systems include enhanced tracking mechanisms to assure transparency.
Areas considered hard-to-reach or high-risk, including Banisa and Mandera, will receive their ballot papers and related documents through air transport. The Commission cited a combination of “security considerations and geographical distance” as the key deciding factors. Airlifts have been used before during national elections and are seen as a necessary intervention to ensure materials arrive on time and safely.
IEBC Invites All 51 Political Parties to Witness Arrival
Perhaps as part of its wider reform initiative and to build confidence ahead of the by-elections, IEBC announced that it made a deliberate move to invite all 51 participating political parties to witness the arrival, reception, and verification of ballot materials. This decision comes in the wake of repeated accusations from political actors and civil society regarding opaque procurement and transportation processes.
By opening the process to all political formations involved in the by-elections, IEBC hopes to reinforce public trust and reduce any claims of manipulation or partisanship. The Commission reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to delivering free, fair, and credible elections, insisting that transparency remains the backbone of its electoral management approach.
Kasipul By-Election Cases: ECCEC Hands Down Major Rulings
Even as IEBC manages ballot logistics, pressure is mounting on the political front—especially in Kasipul Constituency—where campaigns have been marked by heated exchanges and allegations of schedule tampering. On November 19, 2025, the Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee (ECCEC) issued two critical rulings in relation to conduct breaches involving candidates and political parties.
Case 1: Complaint No. IEBC/ECCEC/BE/01/2025 & 02/2025 (Consolidated)
Parties: Philip Aroko & Boyd Were Ong’ondo
The ECCEC found both candidates guilty of violating several provisions of the Electoral Code of Conduct. These violations touched on unauthorized campaign activities, disruption of scheduled campaign timelines, and heightened political tensions within the constituency.
The Committee issued the following orders:
- Formal stern warnings to both candidates to adhere strictly to the harmonized campaign calendar.
- A Ksh 1,000,000 fine for each candidate, payable within 48 hours.
- A strong warning that any future violation may result in immediate disqualification from the by-election.
- Mandatory signing of the Political Decency Charter committing to peaceful, respectful, and tolerant campaigns.
The Charter, a tool recently re-introduced by IEBC, serves as a moral and legal pledge to ethical political engagement, signaling an era where impunity in campaign periods will not be tolerated.
Case 2: Complaint No. IEBC/ECCEC/BE/04/2025
Complainant: Returning Officer, Kasipul Constituency
Respondents: Boyd Were Ong’ondo & the ODM Party
This case concerned the submission of an updated campaign schedule by the ODM candidate, which conflicted with the official harmonized timetable agreed upon on October 10, 2025. The Committee noted that such unilateral changes could trigger violence or candidate clashes, especially given past tensions in the area.
The ECCEC ruled:
- All candidates must follow the harmonized campaign schedule without deviation.
- Any conflict arising from non-compliance will prompt the Committee to impose full penalties under the Elections Act, which include fines, suspension of campaigning rights, or outright disqualification.
Importantly, no costs were awarded in either case.
Why These Rulings Matter Ahead of the By-Elections
Kasipul is one of the hotspots in the upcoming by-elections, and the ECCEC’s actions appear designed to prevent escalation of political tensions. By strictly enforcing campaign schedules and penalizing violations, IEBC aims to ensure a level playing field and avert violence—a key concern given Kenya’s history of politically-triggered unrest.
The rulings also set a precedent that all political actors nationwide must take note of. With the Commission moving toward higher transparency and accountability, candidates and parties are under pressure to comply with the law or face harsh consequences, including potential disqualification.
The fact that fines reached Ksh 1 million per candidate signals the seriousness with which the Commission intends to uphold electoral integrity.
The Bigger Picture: What the November 27 By-Elections Mean for Kenya
While they are not general elections, the November 27 by-polls are widely seen as a mid-cycle political test for several parties and leaders. The outcomes may influence coalition negotiations, party dominance in specific regions, and public perception ahead of the next national election cycle.
Moreover, the by-polls are taking place at a time when:
- Political realignments are rapidly unfolding,
- Public trust in electoral institutions remains a hotly debated topic,
- And oversight agencies face high pressure to demonstrate independence and efficiency.
IEBC’s decision to openly involve all political parties in the ballot paper arrival process and its strict enforcement of the Electoral Code of Conduct reflect an institution intent on restoring credibility.
IEBC’s Assurance to the Nation
As ballot materials continue to arrive and legal processes unfold, the Commission reiterated that it remains fully committed to delivering an election process that upholds Kenya’s democratic principles. Through steps such as transparent ballot paper handling, logistical preparedness, and strict enforcement of campaign laws, IEBC says it aims to protect the will of the voters and ensure a credible electoral outcome.
The country now waits for the final dispatch on November 21 and the voting scheduled for November 27, 2025, as political players intensify their final stretch of campaigns—though now under increased scrutiny.
