Africa-Press – Kenya. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has urged Kenyans in areas holding by-elections on Thursday to maintain calm and uphold peace throughout the voting process.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will conduct elections across 22 electoral areas, including the Baringo Senate seat and parliamentary contests in Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja.
By-elections for Members of County Assembly (MCA) seats will also take place in Angata Nanyokie (Samburu), Chemundu/Kapng’etuny (Nandi), Chewani (Tana River), Fafi (Garissa), Kariobangi North (Nairobi City), Kisa East (Kakamega), Metkei (Elgeyo Marakwet), Mumbuni North (Machakos), Narok Town (Narok), Purko (Kajiado), and Tembelio (Uasin Gishu).
In Nyamira county, Nyansiongo, Nyamaiya, and Ekerenyo wards will go to the polls, while Turkana county will hold contests in Lake Zone and Nanaam wards.
Kabuchai/Chwele in Bungoma county completes the list, bringing the total number of ward-level contests to 17.
He expressed confidence that the by-elections would be conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner, in full respect of the law, and one that would reflect the will of the people.
“We have taken comprehensive steps to ensure security, order and a conducive environment for all voters. Our officers are on the ground, fully deployed and ready to ensure the process remains peaceful and transparent,” Murkomen said.
He was accompanied by Interior PS Raymond Omollo, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat (KPS), his counterpart Gilbert Masengeli (AP) and other senior security officials.
Murkomen appealed to voters to participate responsibly and avoid acts that could disrupt the process.
“We call upon Kenyans in the voting regions to remain calm and uphold peace throughout the electoral period. I equally urge leaders, aspirants and political actors to exercise responsibility and avoid incitement that could compromise the integrity of the process,” he said.
Murkomen warned that the government would take firm action against anyone involved in violence, intimidation or the deployment of goons to interfere with the democratic process.
Several by-elections have emerged as key political battlegrounds, with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) facing stiff competition from opposition parties.
The contests in Mbeere North, Malava, and Kasipul have particularly attracted attention, seen by analysts as a barometer ahead of the 2027 General Elections, as opposition forces aim to challenge UDA’s dominance and consolidate their political influence.
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