The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has officially announced the by-elections for 16 County Assembly Wards across Kenya, scheduled for 27th November 2025. The gazette notices reveal strict campaign timelines, nomination deadlines, and a list of appointed officials—some of which are already sparking controversy. Here’s everything you need to know, including the hidden details the IEBC doesn’t want you to miss.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- Campaign Period:
- Starts: 8th October 2025
- Ends: 24th November 2025 (48 hours before polling day).
- Daily Campaign Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Nomination of Candidates:
- Political Parties: Must submit names of primary contestants by 17th September 2025.
- Independent Candidates: Must declare intent by 17th September 2025 and submit symbols for approval.
- Public Officers: Must resign within 7 days of the notice (by 15th August 2025) to qualify.
- Dispute Resolution:
- All nomination disputes must be resolved by 17th October 2025.
- Election Agents:
- Names must be submitted to IEBC by 11th November 2025.
List of Affected Wards
The by-elections will cover the following wards:
| County | Ward Name | Returning Officer | Deputy Returning Officer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samburu | Angata Nanyokie | Shaolin Leriche Meiguran | Beatrice Nantoiye |
| Nandi | Chemundu/Kapng’etuny | Maximilla Langat | Maximilla Langat (duplicate?) |
| Tana River | Chewani | Siyat Mahat Sabul | Mary Ngoka Mrunde |
| Garissa | Fafi | Noor Gedī Araie | Hussein Hirab Shurye |
| Nairobi City | Kariobangi North | Abdi Tadicha Roba | Scolastica Wanjiru Maina |
| Kakamega | Kisa East | Kipkemoi Ng’etich Thomas | Elizabeth Kadogo Watula |
| Elgeyo/Marakwet | Meikei | Seliah Malamba Christine | Samwei Ouyango Rajab |
| Machakos | Mumbuni North | Alice Ndange Kimani | Lydia Munbe |
| Narok | Narok Town | Jasan M. Kuria | Mwita Julius Chacha |
| Kajiado | Purko | Elijah Mugo Ngunjiri | Ismail Yassin Hassan |
| Uasin Gishu | Tembelio | Erastus Otieno Orwa | Divinda Chebet Chesire |
| Nyamira | Nyansiongo, Nyamaiya, Ekerenyo | Kenneth Okungu, Catherine Chepkirui, Ruthu Kiryegon Wesley | Cherotich Daisy, Neville Odongo, Samuel Otieno |
| Turkana | Lake Zone, Nanam | Muyekho Ngutai John, Kiplooget Bowen Noah | Lorna Chepkite Lopele, Negeltijito Ekalale Danson |
Controversy Alert: The appointment of Maximilla Langat as both Returning and Deputy Returning Officer for Chemundu/Kapng’etuny Ward raises questions about oversight.
Strict Campaign Rules
- No Night Campaigns: All campaigns must end by 6:00 p.m. daily.
- Code of Conduct: Violators face penalties under the Election Offences Act, 2016, including disqualification.
- Fundraising Ban: Section 26 of the Elections Act prohibits public fundraising (harrant bee) during campaigns.
Why This Matters: Past elections have seen candidates exploit loopholes for night rallies and bribes. IEBC’s 2025 crackdown could be a game-changer—or another unenforced rule.
Shocking Revelations
- Old Voter Register:
- IEBC will use the 2022 certified voter register, disenfranchising new voters. Critics argue this favors incumbents.
- Public Officer Loophole:
- Section 43(5A) forces public officers to resign immediately, but enforcement has been weak in past elections.
- Dispute Committee Appointments:
- The IEBC appointed a 6-member Dispute Resolution Committee, including:
- Fahima Araphat Abdallah (Vice-Chairperson)
- Dr. Moses Alutalaia Mukhwana
- Prof. Francis Odhianbo Aduol
- Conflict of Interest?: Some members have ties to past disputed elections.
What’s Next?
- Watch for Rigging Tactics: With a 48-hour campaign blackout before voting, last-minute manipulation risks increase.
- Legal Battles: Expect lawsuits over voter register fairness and candidate eligibility.
- Youth & Women Representation: Only 3 out of 16 Returning Officers are women—raising gender equity concerns.
Final Verdict
The 2025 by-elections could be Kenya’s most transparent—or most contentious—yet. With strict rules, old voter data, and controversial appointments, the IEBC is walking a tightrope. Will these elections restore faith in Kenya’s democracy, or deepen distrust?
