Kenya’s electoral body has dismissed as fake a gazette notice circulating online that falsely claims two United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidates have already been declared winners ahead of the November by-elections.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), in a statement released on Monday, warned the public not to fall for misinformation, saying it had not issued any declaration of elected candidates for the upcoming polls.

“The Gazette Notice circulating online titled ‘Declaration of No Contest for Members of Tembelio and Metkei Wards in the By-Elections scheduled for 27th November 2025’ is fake,” the commission said.

The fraudulent document, widely shared on social media, claimed that two UDA candidates had been “duly elected” as Members of County Assembly for Tembelio and Metkei wards after allegedly running unopposed.

The IEBC said the notice was false and misleading, and urged Kenyans to verify all election-related information through its official website and verified social media channels.

“The Commission advises the public to disregard it. Visit our website and verified social media accounts for accurate information,” the statement read.

The commission also appealed to citizens to help curb the spread of false information in the lead-up to the November 27 by-elections.

“Only official communication from IEBC channels should be trusted,” the statement added.

The electoral body has previously expressed concern over the rising tide of misinformation during election periods, warning that such falsehoods risk eroding public trust in democratic processes.

The upcoming by-elections, scheduled for November 27, 2025, will cover the Baringo Senatorial race and six parliamentary seats across Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja constituencies.

The campaign period officially runs from October 8 to November 24, with campaign activities allowed between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily.

“Any campaigning outside the stipulated hours will be considered a violation of electoral regulations,” said IEBC’s Communications Director, Edung.

As Kenya heads into another election season, the commission’s warning highlights the growing challenge of fake news in shaping public perception — and the ongoing effort to ensure credible, transparent polls.