IEBC Issues Fresh Warning to Ol Kalou Voters Ahead of By-Election

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has cautioned Ol Kalou residents against exposing how they vote during Thursday's parliamentary by-election. The electoral body warned that photographing a completed ballot paper amounts to an election offence.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon delivered the warning during a media briefing on Tuesday, July 14. He urged voters to comply with election laws and safeguard the confidentiality of their votes.

Commission Says Ballot Secrecy Is Mandatory

Ethekon stressed that every voter must keep their choice private after marking the ballot paper. He said the law protects the secrecy of the voting process and prohibits actions that reveal an individual's vote.

According to the commission, capturing or sharing images of a marked ballot violates the Election Offences Act. IEBC urged voters to leave polling booths without recording or displaying their ballot papers.

Law Provides Heavy Penalties

The commission warned that anyone who ignores the directive could face criminal charges. A court may impose a fine of up to KSh1 million after a successful prosecution.

Offenders also risk serving a prison sentence of up to three years. Ethekon said IEBC will not hesitate to pursue legal action against anyone who breaks the law.

Electronic Voter Identification Confirmed

IEBC also confirmed that polling officials will use KIEMS kits to identify voters electronically. The commission said it has already finalized and secured the official register for the Ol Kalou by-election.

Registered voters should carry their original national identity cards to polling stations. Those intending to use passports must ensure the documents remain valid before election day.

Parties Prepare for Crucial Vote

Several political parties have nominated candidates to contest the parliamentary seat. The race will feature candidates from UDA, the Democracy for the Citizens Party, Jubilee, PNU, Kenya Moja Movement, the National Liberal Party, the Federal Party of Kenya and the People's Renaissance Movement.

The by-election will fill the vacancy created by the death of former Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho. Voters will elect his successor on Thursday, July 16.