IEBC urges Ol Kalou voters to report poll offences, submit evidence

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has urged voters in the ongoing Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election to report any electoral malpractice and provide evidence to support their claims.

The commission said compliance with the Electoral Code of Conduct is mandatory for all political parties, candidates, agents and supporters, warning that it will not hesitate to invoke the law against anyone found in breach.

In a statement, IEBC said its investigation team remains on standby to promptly handle any reported violations.

"The commission remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering a peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible election whose outcome reflects the freely expressed will of the people," IEBC said.

Voting opened at 6 am, with a voter turnout reported across 144 polling stations as residents cast their ballots to elect a new MP following the death of David Kiaraho in March.

The by-election has attracted candidates from established political parties, newer political formations and independent tickets, making it one of the most closely watched electoral contests in Central Kenya this year.

The candidates are Samuel Muchina Nyagah (United Democratic Alliance - UDA), Sammy Douglas Kamau Ngotho (Democracy for Citizens Party - DCP), Wilson Kigwa (Jubilee Party), Rachel Wangui Njoroge (People's Democratic Party), Edward Mathenge (Independent), Stephen Wanyoike Waithaka (National Liberal Party) and Edwin Kariiri Muchiri (Party of National Unity - PNU).

Two other candidates representing smaller political parties and independent interests were also cleared to contest the seat.

Wangui is the only female candidate in the race.

Beyond testing party strength in the Mt Kenya region, the contest is emerging as a key indicator of the parties' influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Although the ballot features several candidates, the race has largely narrowed into a contest between UDA's Muchina and DCP's Ngotho in what is widely viewed as an early battle for political supremacy ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Given the significance of the poll, IEBC said it has put in place adequate security arrangements to guarantee a peaceful and orderly voting process.

"Two uniformed police officers will be deployed at every polling station, while additional officers will be stationed at tallying centres to maintain law and order and safeguard the integrity of the election," the commission said.

The electoral agency reminded voters to leave polling stations immediately after casting their ballots and warned of stern action against anyone found photographing or recording their marked ballot papers.

Mobile phones are prohibited inside polling booths.

"Taking photographs or recording images of marked ballot papers inside the polling booth is strictly prohibited and constitutes an election offence under Section 7(3)(e) of the Election Offences Act, No. 37 of 2016," IEBC said.

Voting is scheduled to close at 5 pm, although voters already in the queue by that time will still be allowed to cast their ballots.

IEBC said any polling station that opened later than 6 am will have its voting hours extended to compensate for the lost time and ensure voters receive the full polling period.

According to the commission, Ol Kalou constituency has 73,480 registered voters spread across the five wards of Kaimbaga, Kanjuiri, Karau, Mirangine and Rurii.