Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has accused the government of orchestrating the disappearance of at least 14 Kenyans during the recent by-elections held across 24 regions on Thursday, November 27, 2025. Speaking on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at a Democratic Change Party (DCP) meeting, Malala highlighted alleged state brutality and widespread violence during the polls.

• Malala alleges that victims were "hanged and thrown in the market," and "thrown in the river," with assistance from the police.
• The by-elections were marked by significant chaos, including attacks on Malava aspirant Seth Panyako, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
• The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) issued a warning against electoral turmoil, emphasizing the need for the people's will to prevail.

The Elections Observation Group (ELOG) has voiced serious concerns regarding the integrity of the November 27 by-elections, citing widespread irregularities despite the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) demonstrating technical competence.

• ELOG observed electoral malpractices including voter bribery, intimidation, and disinformation campaigns across 22 electoral areas.
• High-ranking government officials were reportedly involved, violating neutrality standards and ethical guidelines.
• ELOG recommends sweeping reforms, including early assessments of electoral environments and stronger enforcement of ballot secrecy.

The Elections Observation Group (ELOG) lauded the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for its strong technical performance in the November 27 by-elections, while simultaneously highlighting significant electoral malpractices that undermined the polls' credibility.

• ELOG observed general preparedness, with KIEMS kits functioning smoothly and transparent voting across 22 electoral areas.
• The group reported widespread electoral violence, voter bribery, and inappropriate involvement of senior government officials and state security personnel in campaign activities.
• ELOG deployed 100 trained roving observers on polling day, covering constituencies in Baringo, Embu, Machakos, Kajiado, Narok, Kakamega, Homa Bay, and Nairobi counties.
• The report flagged issues of disinformation, low participation of women and marginalized groups, and operational anomalies such as ballot secrecy breaches.
• ELOG Chairperson Victor Nyongesa emphasized that the IEBC's technical competence could not "mask its failure to address the compromised political environment."