Political camps put on notice as IEBC enforces strict Ol Kalou polling rules
By Aloys Michael, July 16, 2026Political camps in the Ol Kalou MP by-election have been put on notice after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) enforced strict polling rules aimed at preventing disruptions, voter interference and congestion at polling stations across Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County.
In a statement on Thursday, July 16, 2026, the electoral agency warned politicians, political party officials, State officers and public officers against moving from one polling station to another after voting, reminding them that they can only cast their ballots at their designated polling centres.
IEBC said the measures were designed to protect the credibility of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election and ensure voters exercise their democratic rights in a peaceful and orderly environment.
“Politicians, political party officials, State officers, and public officers who are registered voters are entitled to vote only at their designated polling stations. They are not permitted to move from one polling station to another,” IEBC said in a statement issued as voting continued.
The warning comes as residents of Ol Kalou turn out to elect a new Member of Parliament in a closely watched contest that has attracted significant political interest in Nyandarua County.
IEBC bans polling station loitering
IEBC also directed voters to leave polling stations and their immediate surroundings immediately after casting their ballots to allow other residents to vote without disruption.
“Voters are also reminded that once they have cast their vote, they are required to exit the polling station and its immediate precincts promptly to allow other voters to exercise their right and to maintain order and security,” the commission stated.
The electoral body said maintaining order around polling centres was critical to protecting voter independence and preventing any form of intimidation or undue influence during the Ol Kalou MP race.
Mandatory KIEMS verification
IEBC reiterated that every eligible voter appearing in the certified Register of Voters must undergo biometric identification using the Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) kit before being allowed to cast a ballot.
The commission encouraged Ol Kalou residents to participate peacefully and turn out in large numbers to choose their preferred candidate.
“To all voters in the Ol Kalou by-election: your participation matters. We encourage you to turn out in large numbers and peacefully exercise your democratic right and vote in your preferred candidate,” IEBC said.
Voter assistance and ballot secrecy
The electoral commission also reminded voters requiring assistance because of disability, illiteracy or other lawful reasons that they are entitled to support from a person of their choice.
However, IEBC said only one assistant would be allowed to help a voter, and no individual would be permitted to assist more than one voter. The assistance must also be officially recorded in line with election regulations.
The commission further cautioned voters against photographing or recording marked ballot papers, warning that ballot secrecy remains a constitutional right and a key requirement for credible elections.
Polling stations in Ol Kalou opened at 6 am and are scheduled to close at 5 pm. IEBC said any time lost during the voting exercise would be recovered, while voters already in queues by the official closing time would still be allowed to cast their ballots.
The commission said it would continue monitoring the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election to ensure compliance with electoral laws and maintain a peaceful voting process.