The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has assured voters that preparations for Thursday’s Ol Kalou Constituency By-election have been finalised and committed to deliver a free, fair, credible and peaceful poll.
Speaking during a joint media briefing Tuesday, IEBC Chair Erastus Ethekon said: “The Commission wishes to inform the nation that all preparations for the by-election scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026, are progressing as scheduled. So far, several critical milestones have already been achieved.”
He said the milestones include procurement and distribution of election materials, training of election officials, testing of election technology and certification of the voters’ register.
The Commission said the certified voters’ register has already been displayed at all polling stations to enable voters to verify their details, while voter education and stakeholder engagement exercises are continuing to enhance public awareness of the electoral process.
Ethekon reminded candidates, political parties and supporters that the official campaign period ended on Monday, July 13 at 6pm, warning that any continued campaigning constitutes an electoral offence.
“Anybody engaged in further campaigns contrary to the law is committing an electoral offence and is in breach of the Electoral Code of Conduct,” he warned.
The Commission has urged registered voters to carry valid national identity cards or passports for biometric verification on polling day, noting that polling stations will open at 6am and close at 5pm, although voters already in the queue by closing time will be allowed to cast their ballots.
IEBC further cautioned voters against taking photographs of marked ballot papers, saying the practice violates the Elections Offences Act, compromises ballot secrecy and attracts a fine of up to Sh1 million, imprisonment for up to three years, or both upon conviction.
The Commission also warned against the presence of unauthorized persons and so-called “super agents” at polling stations, stressing that only accredited party agents will be allowed access.
It added that political party symbols, campaign materials and attire will not be permitted within polling stations to preserve the neutrality of the voting environment.
To strengthen transparency, IEBC said vote counting will take place openly at each polling station in the presence of agents, observers and the media. While marked ballot papers will remain confidential, agents will be allowed to photograph the official Form 34A results, which will also be publicly displayed before constituency tallying begins. Results will simultaneously be uploaded to the Commission’s public portal.
“We urge all stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, agents, the media and voters, to respect the law, uphold peace before, during and after polling, and refrain from any actions that may compromise the secrecy or integrity of the election,” Ethekon said.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja assured residents of adequate security throughout the electoral process, saying the National Police Service had deployed more than 1,000 officers to safeguard polling stations, election materials and voters.
“We are fully prepared to ensure the people of Ol Kalou exercise their democratic right in a free, fair, peaceful and secure environment,” the Inspector General said.
He added that specialised police units, standby response teams, water cannons and Directorate of Criminal Investigations Officers had also been deployed to respond swiftly to any security incidents or electoral offences.
The Inspector General appealed to residents not to allow themselves to be used to disrupt the electoral process, affirming that the National Police Service would remain vigilant throughout the exercise to guarantee public safety and protect the integrity of the by-election.
By Zipporah Odionyi and Nancy Omondi
