IEBC outlines voting procedure as by-elections kick off in Emurua Dikirr and 2 Wards
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, May 14, 2026The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has outlined the step-by-step voting procedure ahead of the by-elections taking place in Emurua Dikirr Constituency and two county assembly wards, while reiterating that the secrecy and sanctity of the ballot must be preserved at all times.
In a notice shared through its official social media platforms on Thursday, May 14, 2026, the Commission detailed seven critical processes that voters will undergo at polling stations during the mini-polls.
“Voting Procedure for the By-Elections. Please Note: The secrecy and sanctity of the vote must be preserved at all times,” the IEBC stated.
According to the Commission, voting begins with a voter presenting an authentic identification document, either a national identity card or a valid passport, before being allowed access to the polling station.
Once inside, election officials verify the voter’s identity using the Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) kit to ensure that only registered voters participate in the exercise.
The electronic verification process is aimed at safeguarding the credibility and transparency of the electoral process. Upon successful verification, the voter is issued a stamped ballot paper by polling officials.
The Commission emphasised that each voter is entitled to only one ballot paper, which must bear the official stamp of polling authorities for it to be considered valid.
After receiving the ballot paper, the voter proceeds to a private voting booth, where they mark an “X” for their chosen candidate in secret.
The IEBC stressed that the confidentiality of the ballot remains a fundamental democratic right that must be protected to prevent voter intimidation, coercion or undue influence during the exercise.
After marking the ballot, the voter folds the paper and places it in the designated ballot box before election officials apply permanent ink on the voter’s finger to indicate they have exercised their democratic right and cannot vote again.
The process concludes with the voter leaving the polling station in an orderly manner.
The Commission further urged voters, election officials and observers to uphold integrity and maintain peace throughout the by-elections.
The mini-polls are being conducted in three regions to fill elective vacancies, including the parliamentary by-election in Emurua Dikirr Constituency and ward by-elections in Porro Ward in Samburu County and Endo Ward in Elgeyo-Marakwet County.
Emurua Dikirr by-elections
The Emurua Dikirr parliamentary contest has attracted significant political attention as residents elect a new member of parliament following the resignation of the area legislator.
In Emurua Dikirr, the by-election has drawn close political competition between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP). The seat fell vacant after the death of MP Johana Ngeno in a helicopter crash in February.
UDA has fielded David Keter, while DCP is fronting former Mogondo MCA Vincent Rotich.
Samburu and Elgeyo Marakwet MCA by-elections
At the county level, voters in Porro and Endo wards are also electing new members of the county assembly in exercises being supervised by IEBC officials to ensure compliance with electoral laws and guidelines.
The Porro Ward Member of County Assembly seat in Samburu County was declared vacant on January 5, 2026, following the death of the sitting MCA, Patrick Leerte, in late 2025 after a period of illness.
The Endo Ward MCA seat in Elgeyo/Marakwet County fell vacant on January 27, 2026, following the death of MCA Jeremiah Biwott Toryebee.
“Following the declaration of vacancies that occurred in the offices of Member of County Assembly for Porro Ward, Samburu West Constituency, Samburu County on 5th January, 2026; Endo Ward, Marakwet East Constituency, Elgeyo/Marakwet County on the 27th January, 2026; and Member of National Assembly for Emurua Dikirr Constituency, Narok County on the 10th March, 2026, and notices issued by the respective speakers, there shall be by-elections in the above-listed electoral areas on Thursday, the 14th May, 2026,” the IEBC statement read in part.