By Newsflash Repoter
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to use the upcoming November 27, 2025 by-elections as a critical test of its ability to deliver credible polls ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) 20th anniversary celebrations in Kisii, Barasa said the by-elections would reveal whether the electoral body had learned lessons from past mistakes and was prepared to oversee free and fair elections.
“The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has a litmus test on November 27, 2025, to ensure the by-elections are successful. This will show if they are ready for 2027 or not,” Barasa emphasized.
ODM’s strength amid rivalries
The governor, who chairs ODM in Kakamega, used the occasion to reaffirm the party’s unity despite internal tensions with a faction allied to Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera.
“ODM is firm in Kakamega under my leadership as Chairperson, Nelson Majimbo as Vice Chairperson, Butere MP Tindi Mwale as our Organizing Secretary, and many other officials,” Barasa said.
Notably absent from the Kisii celebrations was Nabwera’s faction, which has recently clashed with the county party leadership. The event was instead dominated by senior ODM leaders, including Deputy Party Leaders Simba Arati, Abdulswamad Nassir, and Godfrey Osotsi, alongside National Chairperson Gladys Wanga.
Read More: Kalonzo rules out becoming a running mate in 2027
Regional endorsements
Kisii Governor Simba Arati reiterated the party’s strength in the region, declaring that ODM remained vibrant and united despite challenges.
“All of you can see that the party is still strong. This event has been attended by delegates from all nine constituencies. ODM will sweep all seats from MCA to Governor here in Kisii,” Arati stated confidently.
The event drew a large delegation of ODM figures from across the country, including Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko, Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina, and MPs from Nyanza and coastal regions, underlining the party’s nationwide influence.
Read More: Raila cautions ODM leaders against premature endorsements
IEBC’s burden of proof
Barasa’s remarks come as IEBC faces growing pressure to restore public trust. The commission has pledged to register an additional 6.3 million voters before 2027, while also navigating contentious issues such as boundary reviews and disputes over technology use in elections.
Observers argue that the upcoming by-elections will serve as a microcosm of the challenges facing the IEBC, including logistics, security, transparency, and dispute resolution. For Barasa and other leaders, the results will either cement or undermine confidence in the commission’s ability to oversee Kenya’s most consequential political contest in two years.
Political stakes
With political alignments already shifting ahead of 2027, the stakes are high for both the IEBC and major parties. The Kisii celebrations reflected ODM’s efforts to project unity and readiness, while also sending a clear message to the electoral body: the integrity of Kenya’s democratic process hinges on its performance.
As November approaches, the by-elections will not only determine parliamentary representation but also signal the level of preparedness of both political players and electoral referees for the battles to come.
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