As polling stations prepared to close Thursday evening, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission urged voters in three by-election areas to turn out in large numbers and vote peacefully, in what is being closely watched as an early political test ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a public notice issued one hour before the close of voting, the commission reminded residents that “their participation matters” and emphasized the importance of exercising democratic rights peacefully.
“We encourage you to turn out in large numbers and peacefully exercise your democratic right,” the commission said.
The by-elections are being held in three electoral areas: the race for Member of the National Assembly in Emurua Dikirr Constituency and ward elections in Porro Ward and Endo Ward.
The commission also sought to reassure voters who might arrive late at polling stations, saying those already in line by the official closing time would still be allowed to cast their ballots.
“Polling stations close at 5.00pm. Any lost time at opening will be recovered at closing and voters in the queue by 5.00 pm will be allowed to vote,” IEBC said in the statement.
The by-elections were called after vacancies arose in the affected positions, forcing the electoral commission to organize fresh polls to ensure residents continue to have representation in Parliament and county assemblies as required by the Constitution.
In Kenya, by-elections are conducted when an elected seat falls vacant before the end of a term due to death, resignation, nullification by courts or appointment of a sitting member to another public office.
The race in Emurua Dikirr Constituency follows the declaration of a vacancy in the parliamentary seat, while the contests in Porro Ward and Endo Ward were triggered by vacancies in the respective county assembly wards.
The mini-polls come at a time when Kenya’s electoral body is under renewed scrutiny following years of disputed elections, legal battles and concerns over voter confidence. Political parties have also invested heavily in the races, viewing them as an opportunity to test their popularity on the ground ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Political analysts say by-elections often serve as a referendum on the performance of both national and county governments, especially during periods of economic hardship and political realignments.
In Emurua Dikirr Constituency, the parliamentary contest has attracted significant attention because of the constituency’s political influence in Narok County and the fierce competition between rival political camps.
The ward elections in Porro Ward and Endo Ward are also being closely watched as parties seek to strengthen grassroots support and test local alliances.
Despite concerns that often accompany by-elections — including voter apathy, logistical delays and tension between rival camps — election officials reported relatively calm voting during the day.
The IEBC’s repeated emphasis on peaceful participation reflects concerns over election-related tensions that have in the past disrupted voting in some parts of the country. Security personnel were deployed around polling centres to maintain order and ensure smooth voting.
By Thursday evening, election officials were preparing for the final rush of voters before stations closed, with counting expected to begin immediately after polling ends.
The outcome of the three contests is expected to provide an early indication of shifting political dynamics as parties begin positioning themselves for future national campaigns.
