Newspapers on Thursday, November 27, have given weight to the by-elections as polling stations open across the country, noting the high stakes associated with the 2027 General Election, as parties treat the elections as a political test.
Source: UGC
1. Daily Nation
According to this publication, former Kesses MP Swarup Mishra is facing a backlash after auctioneers listed some of his high-value properties Eldoret sold due to increased loan arrears.
The assets, including his Mediheal hospital, are set to be auctioned on December 10, 2025, marking another blow to the politician who is already battling allegations of human organ trafficking linked to his hospital facilities.
The new list includes a large section registered under Mediheal Hospital and Fertility Centre, a second section housing a five-storey hospital building and a two-storey pharmacy and laboratory, and residential buildings registered under Mishra and his wife Pallavi.
More land in Kipkorgot, Mogobich, Pioneer, and Ngeria is also likely to be sold, indicating growing financial problems.
The dispute was earlier put on hold by a High Court order, but the renewed push to auction the property is now raising fresh questions about Mishra’s financial status and legal problems.
2. The Standard
According to this newspaper, Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya said the government has removed all security officers assigned to him, citing the move as an attempt to silence his strong criticism of the President’s administration. William Ruto.
He said that the officials responsible for his official work and private residence were called without explanation, a move that he believes is linked to his major role in the Malava and Kabuchai by-election campaigns.
Natembeya accused the president of approving the decision at the highest level, describing it as a specific effort to disrupt his movement and weaken his political voice.
He warned that the withdrawal signaled a broader trend of threats, saying even his official vehicles could be targeted later.
The governor who is a big critic of the government Kenya Firstsaid the action reflects the growing tension between his administration and the White House, adding that he will not be prevented from speaking about national leadership issues.
3. The Star
According to this newspaper, the National Police Service is facing a crisis of credibility after a government report revealed an increase in crimes committed by police officers, as the country faces insecurity linked to political activities.
The National Security Report 2025, tabled in Parliament by Ruto, shows that while overall crime has decreased in many units, offenses involving police officers have continued to rise, raising new questions about accountability within the service.
The report shows police-related offenses increased to 237 cases, up from 230 last year and nearly double the 135 cases reported in 2023.
This increase comes despite a decrease in burglary, livestock theft, economic crime, car theft and drug possession.
Still, the research focuses on the under-stressed force, tasked with dealing with al-Shabaab, criminal gangs and rising civil unrest, while grappling with internal corruption and a worrying culture of impunity.
4. Nation Today
This newspaper reports that the chairman of IEBC Erastus Ethekon has taken a strong position saying that no politician will influence or interfere in any election under his watch.
He emphasized that not only small elections but also the General Election of 2027 will allow an opening for fraud, and he promised to rebuild the public’s trust in that electoral body after many years of controversy and political doubts.
Ethekon’s remarks seemed to contradict the claims of the Opposition, which is alleged to have plans to steal the current and future votes.
Four months into his leadership, he said the reforms that have already been made are seen in the tone of the recent campaigns and in the conduct of party primaries leading up to today’s vote.
He acknowledged the problematic situation of the commission he inherited, but said identifying the basic challenges is his first step to solve them.
Ethekon added that lasting credibility will depend on working closely with political parties, social organizations, the media, and other stakeholders as the IEBC seeks to restore confidence in Kenya’s electoral process.
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