IEBC gives October 21 deadline to file pre-election complaints ahead of November 27 by-elections across Kenya

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a 10-day deadline for the submission of all pre-election complaints ahead of the November 27 by-elections.

In a Gazette Notice dated October 9, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung directed that all complaints must be lodged by October 21, warning that the Commission will not accept disputes filed beyond that date.

According to Edung, the Commission will hear and determine all disputes within ten days of filing, with the process expected to conclude before November 2.

“The Commission shall resolve all pre-election disputes within ten days of lodging, at venues to be specified,” the notice read in part.

Kenyans seeking to file complaints can do so in person at Anniversary Towers or electronically through the official IEBC email addresses info@iebc.or.ke or ppl@iebc.or.ke. The statutory complaint form is available on the Commission’s website.

Upon submission, complainants will be contacted via phone or email to be notified of the hearing dates and venues.

The directive is issued under Articles 88(4) of the Constitution and the IEBC Act, 2011, which empower the Commission to settle electoral disputes before elections.

Meanwhile, the November 27 by-elections will fill one senatorial, six parliamentary, and several county assembly vacancies across the country.

Baringo County will hold a senatorial by-election, while parliamentary contests are scheduled for Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja Constituencies.

Vacant Member of County Assembly (MCA) seats include Angata Nanyokie (Samburu), Chemundu (Nandi), Chewani (Tana River), Fafi (Garissa), Kariobangi North (Nairobi), Kisa East (Kakamega), Metkei (Elgeyo Marakwet), Mumbuni North (Machakos), Purko (Kajiado), and Tembelio (Uasin Gishu) wards.

The Commission also announced that campaign activities will run from 7am to 6pm daily, ending 48 hours before voting day on November 24, 2025.