Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has sounded the alarm over Thursday’s by-elections, warning that the unrest could be a rehearsal for the 2027 general elections.

Taking to X, on Thursday, November 27, 2025, Kioni said the incidents exposed either a failure by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and security agencies or their active involvement in orchestrating violence.

“Is this the blueprint the government is preparing for 2027? Today’s by-elections are a clear rehearsal for what lies ahead,” he said.

“Someone must be held accountable. Either the IEBC and the security agencies are working hand in hand with those orchestrating violence, or they have completely failed in their mandate. Let it be known that Kenyans will not sit back and watch institutions meant to protect them become tools of intimidation and chaos. Enough!”

The by-elections saw violent incidents in multiple constituencies, drawing sharp criticism from leaders. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna described the day as one of the bloodiest in recent history, citing attacks across Kabuchai, Malava, and Kasipul.

He blamed either incompetence in the security services or deliberate state involvement, calling on CS Murkomen to take responsibility for failing to secure voters and polling agents.

Governor James Orengo described the militarisation and goonification of the polls as worse than the mlolongo system, warning that the East African region is becoming increasingly intolerant and despotic.

Chaos hits key constituencies

The unrest unfolded across several constituencies. In Mbeere North, Chama Cha Kazi leader Moses Kuria reported attacks on polling agents en route to stations, suggesting a planned effort to intimidate voters. In Kabuchai’s Chwele Ward, polling agents were forcibly removed from stations, although officials encouraged residents to continue voting.

Malava witnessed further chaos when DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako broke down while casting his vote, citing threats to his life and attacks on his hotel. DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa confirmed that the attackers were linked to UDA, highlighting the role of party-related violence in disrupting the polls.

A vehicle belonging to Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa was also set ablaze in Manyonje, Butali Ward. 

In Kasipul, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma and his bodyguard were attacked while observing the ODM candidate. The bodyguard’s firearm was stolen, yet Kaluma urged residents to continue voting, suggesting outsiders were behind the violence.

Similarly, in Magarini, ODM candidate Harrison Kombe reported that polling agents were blocked from entering stations. He insisted all agents be allowed inside and urged residents to vote despite the intimidation.