Polling stations opened at 6:00 am on Thursday as Kenyans in Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North and Banisa headed to the polls for closely watched by-elections. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) confirmed full preparedness, assuring the public of a transparent and well-secured process across all designated centres.
In Banisa, Mandera County, residents began streaming into Banisa Primary School at sunrise, where four polling stations were arranged with separate queues for men and women in line with local customs. Two candidates—Ahmed Maalim Hassan of UDA and a UPA contender are battling to replace the late Maalim Hassan, whose passing in March 2023 left the seat vacant. The constituency has 32,000 registered voters across five wards.
In Magarini, voting commenced at Mjanaheri Primary School, though some voters reported difficulty identifying their correct polling rooms. At Mapimo Secondary School, one of the ward’s 193 polling stations, police officers maintained order as early voters filed in steadily.
Malava Constituency also recorded an early turnout, with several residents having cast their ballots shortly after the centres opened.
In Mbeere North, Kanyambora Primary School experienced slight delays as officials confirmed voter registration details before opening the gates a few minutes past the official start time. Nine candidates are vying to replace Geoffrey Ruku for the remainder of the term, heightening activity and political interest in the area.
Across the country, security officers and election observers monitored the exercise amid warnings against intimidation, bribery and attempts to disrupt the process. The IEBC reiterated that any lost time during the day would be compensated to ensure every voter in the queue casts their ballot before closing.
The by-elections have drawn intense national focus, with political heavyweights monitoring the outcomes closely. Analysts say the results could influence the country’s political landscape and signal the strength of various factions following a period of shifting alliances. President William Ruto’s camp, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, former DP Rigathi Gachagua, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi have all taken keen interest in the results, while opposition leaders Eugene Wamalwa, George Natembeya and Justin Muturi are also heavily invested.
With additional contests in the Baringo senatorial race and 16 MCA seats across the country, the day’s outcomes are seen as a key test of political influence ahead of the next electoral cycle.
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