By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 28 November 2025 - A new preliminary report by the Elections Observation Group (ELOG) has revealed that the 27 November by-elections were significantly undermined by widespread ballot secrecy violations and voter access challenges across 22 constituencies.
According to the report released on Friday, secrecy breaches emerged as one of the most serious threats to the integrity of the polls, with ELOG documenting violations in 15.2% of all polling stations observed.
In many centres, the placement of booths, improper handling of assisted voting, and lax adherence to privacy protocols meant that voters were not fully shielded as they cast their ballots.
ELOG warned that such violations jeopardise one of the most fundamental principles of democratic elections — the right of citizens to vote freely and confidentially.
Civil society groups, including The Youth Agenda, echoed this concern, stating that the findings highlight an urgent need for reforms to protect voter privacy.
The observers also reported extensive voter access problems.
In 42% of polling stations, voters were turned away due to issues such as missing names in the register, mismanaged queues, and delays in opening polling centres.
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The report noted that many affected voters were unable to return, especially in rural areas where polling stations are sparsely located.
The election day was further strained by logistical weaknesses, including inadequate deployment of materials and staff during opening, and poor queue management at closing time in at least 10% of stations.
Some areas experienced isolated political interference, unauthorised persons inside polling stations, and security threats that disrupted voting and counting.
ELOG deployed 100 trained roving observers to monitor the elections and reported that while the challenges did not completely invalidate the process, they raised serious concerns about preparedness and safeguards in the management of by-elections.
The Group said the findings should serve as a wake-up call to electoral authorities to strengthen secrecy protocols, improve voter verification systems, and ensure stricter control of polling environments.
