Elections Observations Group Flags Violence, Voter Disputes and Secret Ballot Breaches in By-Elections

KEnya, 27 Novemebr 2025 - The Elections Observation Group (ELOG) has raised serious concerns over violence, voter disenfranchisement, and breaches of ballot secrecy during by-elections across the country.

In a press statement sent to newsrooms on Thursday, ELOG chairman Victor Nyongesa highlighted several incidents observed during the opening of polling stations and voting operations.

At Kariobangi North Primary School in Nairobi, groups of youths clashed over political differences. While the unrest did not directly disrupt voting, it was reportedly fueled by disputes over alleged monetary inducements and the unequal distribution of resources. 

In Machakos, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua was chased away by angry voters at a polling station in Mumbuni ward, while party supporters from Chap Chap and UDA allegedly attacked a Wiper supporter at Mungala polling station in Mumbuni North ward.

Voter disenfranchisement was also reported. In Mbeere North constituency, an elderly voter was turned away after discrepancies were noted between her registered ward in Muminji and her actual residence in Evurore ward. 

At Karangare polling station, observers noted that some voters publicly declared their preferred candidates, with encouragement from party agents—an explicit violation of the constitutional principle of the secret ballot.