United Opposition Accuses Government of Grand Plot to Rig November 27 By-Elections

By Ryan Mumo 

The United Opposition has issued a strongly worded statement accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of orchestrating a coordinated and multi-layered plan to subvert the will of voters in the November 27, 2025 by-elections.

In a detailed document released on Wednesday, the coalition expressed gratitude to its supporters for turning out in large numbers during campaigns, saying Kenyans are “clearly hungry for change” and view the by-elections as an opportunity to express their dissatisfaction with the current regime.

But the Opposition warned that the government, aware of the shifting political mood, has allegedly resorted to intimidation, bribery, illegal campaigns, and compromised election officials to tilt the playing field.

The Opposition accuses the government of deploying heavy police presence—including plainclothes officers—across several hotspots such as Narok Town, Malava, and Mbeere North.

Unmarked Subaru Foresters, the statement says, have been sighted in Siakago and Malava “not to protect citizens, but to intimidate them.”

“These are deliberate attempts to scare voters away from coming out in the numbers they intend to,” the statement reads.

The coalition further claims senior government officials—from MPs and MCAs to Cabinet Secretaries, Speakers of Parliament and even the President—are using state resources to influence voters.

The allegations include distribution of relief food, mattresses and blankets intended for disaster victims, misused government vehicles, and even the issuance of embassy appointment letters in public barazas.

“This is a misuse of public trust and public resources. This is abuse of office,” the statement asserts.

One of the most alarming accusations raised is the claim that the serialization of 820,000 ballot papers was improperly conducted, creating loopholes for ballot-stuffing.

The Opposition says it has “credible information” that 30,000 pre-marked ballots have already been dispatched to battleground areas such as Magarini, Malava, and Mbeere North through compromised presiding officers.

“This strikes at the heart of electoral integrity,” the coalition warns.

The statement also cites instances of continued campaigns beyond the legally allowed period, allegedly by regime-backed agents escorted by police officers and hired goons.

In Malava, the coalition claims a coordinated plan involving police officers, goons, and IEBC clerks aims to trigger violence and use the ensuing chaos to stuff ballots.

The coalition draws parallels with the Gen Z protests earlier in the year, alleging that police then—and now—enabled rather than restrained hired goons.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) also comes under sharp criticism, with the Opposition accusing the electoral body of failing to address concerns raised regarding the use of mobile phones in polling stations and other possible irregularities.

They describe IEBC’s response as “weak and insufficient,” accusing it of casting “a long shadow over its own independence.”

“This is the first true test of the new Commission. They must either overcome these challenges or be overcome by them,” the statement says.

The United Opposition urges its supporters to turn out in large numbers, remain peaceful, and document any irregularities. Agents have been instructed not to leave polling stations until the entire process is concluded.

The coalition also urges the media, observers, and civil society to exercise heightened vigilance.

The statement concludes with a rallying call for unity and resilience, declaring that no amount of intimidation, state power, or public resources will override the people’s will.

“At this defining moment, we urge Kenyans to stand firm, stand peaceful, and stand together. The will of Kenyans is sacred. It cannot be bought, bullied, or broken.”

As voters head to the polls on Thursday, the country braces for what could be a closely watched and potentially contentious by-election.