The Purko Ward MCA by-election in Kajiado County was held on Thursday, 27 November 2025. This by-election was part of a batch of 24 electoral contests organized nationwide by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to fill vacant seats at both county and national levels.
Why the By-Election Was Held
The Purko Ward seat became vacant following the death of the sitting Member of County Assembly (MCA), Simon Mumeita Saitoti, who passed away on 5 March 2025 after undergoing surgery at a Nairobi hospital. His passing was formally acknowledged by the County Assembly leadership, triggering the legal requirement for a by-election to fill the seat.
IEBC officially scheduled the Purko by-election in its Gazette notice on 8 August 2025, alongside other vacant wards across the country. Furthermore, this process ensures that residents continue to have representation in the County Assembly.
Electoral Details
- Registered Voters: Approximately 4,848–4,950 across 13 polling stations.
- Polling Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Voting Requirements: Voters must present a valid national ID or passport for verification.
The by-election followed IEBC’s established voting procedures, including verification at polling stations and casting of ballots into secure ballot boxes.
Candidates
IEBC cleared three candidates to contest the Purko Ward by-election. The main contenders, based on public prominence and party backing, were:
- Simon Sanare – representing the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
- Daniel Ole Naikuni – supported by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
- Third candidate – details of this candidate were not publicly available at the time of reporting.
Political Context
The Purko by-election is significant in Kenya’s political landscape:
- It serves as an early test of party strength and voter sentiment ahead of the 2027 general election.
- Parties such as ODM and DCP have mobilized campaigns to consolidate support and influence future political alliances.
- Also, the outcome could influence County Assembly dynamics, affecting committee assignments and local governance priorities.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 5 March 2025 | Death of Purko MCA Simon Mumeita Saitoti. |
| 8 August 2025 | IEBC issues Gazette notice scheduling by-election for 27 November 2025. |
| 8–9 October 2025 | Nomination of candidates by political parties and independents. |
| 8 October – 24 November 2025 | Official campaign period. |
| 27 November 2025 | Polling day for Purko Ward and other nationwide by-elections. |
Current Status (as of 27 November 2025)
- Voting is underway in Purko Ward.
- No official results or vote counts have been publicly released yet.
- Turnout details, as well as final tallies, will be confirmed once IEBC completes counting and announces the winner.
Why the By-Election Matters
Beyond filling the vacant seat, the Purko by-election is an important political barometer:
- It allows voters to reaffirm or adjust local representation after the untimely death of the previous MCA.
- It tests the organizational strength and popularity of political parties at the grassroots level.
- The results could signal broader trends ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially in Kajiado County and similar mixed-population regions.
Conclusion
The 2025 Purko Ward MCA by-election highlights both the importance of continuous local representation and the strategic significance of ward-level contests in Kenya’s broader political landscape. With voting completed, the nation awaits the official IEBC announcement to determine who will take the vacant seat and represent Purko residents in the County Assembly.
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