The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has formally launched the November 27, 2025 by-elections on Thursday.
The contests, spread across several counties, are expected to test party strength, voter loyalty and the appeal of individual candidates as political temperatures rise toward 2027.
Some of the most closely watched contests include Baringo’s Senate seat, as well as parliamentary races in Mbeere North, Malava and Kasipul. E
Six-Way Contest for Baringo Senate
The Baringo Senate race has attracted six candidates as Shadrack Kibet Kaplawat of the Alliance for Change Party (AFC) enters the contest alongside Kenya Moja Movement’s (KMM) Samuel Benone Letasio.
Steve David Kipruto of the Republican Liberty Party (RLP) and Benjamin Kiprop Chebon of The New Democrats (TND) are also on the ballot.
United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is represented by Kiprono Chemitei Cheburet, who joins the field alongside Daniel Kipchirchir Kurui of Umoja Na Maendeleo Party (UMP). The race is poised to be competitive as parties work to consolidate influence in the Rift Valley.
Battle for Supremacy in Mbeere North
The Mbeere North by-election in Embu County features nine aspirants representing a wide range of parties.
United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has fronted Leo Wa Muthende Njeru up against Ruben Muriithi Njeru of the Alliance for Change Party (AFC) alongside Newton Kariuki Ndwiga of the Democratic Party of Kenya (DP).
Duncan Ireri Mbui will fly the Chama Cha Kazi (KAZI) flag, while Daniel Ireri Ngari represents Kenya Moja Movement (KMM). Also running is Albert Murimi Ngari of The National Vision Party (NVP).
Other aspirants include Lawrence Mwaniki Ireri of Safina and Simon Mwaura Waiharo of the Umoja Na Maendeleo Party (UMP). United Progressive Alliance (UPA) is represented by Isaac Ngiri Muringi.
Malava Battle
The Malava Constituency race in Kakamega County also showcases a competitive line-up as The United Democratic Alliance’s (UDA) David Athman Ndakwa goes up against James Shinachi Angatia of the Alliance for Change Party (AFC), together with Seth Panyako Ambusini of the Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K).
Edgar Busiega Mwanga represents the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), while Joab Burudi Manyasi carries the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) ticket.
Jason Shivakale Bruce is contesting under the Entrust Pioneer Party (EPP), and Wilberforce Indai Tuvei is running on the Kenya Moja Movement (KMM) ticket.
Benjamin Nalwa represents NOPEU, with George Ngaira Oyugi flying the Party of Democratic Unity (PDU) colours.
Kasipul Dominated by Traditional and Emerging Forces
In Homa Bay County’s Kasipul Constituency, Boyd Were Ongondo is flying the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) flag up against Jesse Samson Owen Okello of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) flag, while Jeazmen Linda Ouma Aoko, Philip Nashon Aroko and Robert Money Bior are contesting as independent candidates.
Kenya Moja Movement (KMM) is represented by Isaac Kiche Abok, with Robert Ouko Ouma running under the Labour Party of Kenya (LPK).
The Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) is spearheded by Collins Okeyo Omondi, while Ishmael Omondi Oyoo represents the National Liberal Party (NLP) as Sam Rateng Okoth Kotiende runs with the United Progressive Alliance (UPA).
The mix of party-backed and independent candidates sets the stage for a dynamic contest.
IEBC Sets Stage for High-Stakes Polls
With the by-elections officially underway, candidates and parties now enter the final phase.
The IEBC will be under close watch to deliver transparent and credible polls, particularly in regions where races feature unusually large fields.
The outcomes across these battlegrounds will offer important political signals as the country heads toward the next general election.
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