IEBC warns Ol Kalou polling officials against breaking election laws
By Sharon Atieno, July 16, 2026The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned polling officials against violating electoral laws, saying anyone found breaching the Code of Conduct or the Election Offences Act during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election will face firm disciplinary and legal action.
In a statement shared on its X account on Thursday, July 16, 2026, the commission urged all election officials to uphold integrity, impartiality and professionalism as vote counting continued across the constituency.
Officials told to uphold integrity
IEBC said the credibility of the electoral process depends on polling officials strictly adhering to the law while discharging their responsibilities.
“The Commission calls upon all polling officials to discharge their duties with integrity, impartiality, and full adherence to the Code of Conduct. Any official found in breach of the Code or the Election Offences Act will face firm action,” IEBC said.
The electoral agency reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a transparent, peaceful and credible by-election, thanking voters, election officials, party agents and observers for their cooperation throughout the exercise.
IEBC condemns violence
The commission also condemned isolated cases of violence, intimidation and disruption reported during the voting process, stressing that elections should be conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.
“The Commission firmly condemns all acts of violence, intimidation, or disruption reported in isolated areas during the voting process. Elections are a democratic exercise, and no individual or group has the right to compromise the peace, safety, or integrity of the process,” the statement read.
IEBC further reminded the public that only accredited persons with valid identification and official badges would be allowed into tallying centres to observe the counting and declaration of results.
Public urged to rely on official results
As counting progressed, the commission urged Kenyans to obtain election updates only from official IEBC communication channels and avoid circulating unverified information that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
“We urge the public to rely on official communication from the Commission and to refrain from sharing unverified information that may undermine public confidence in the electoral process,” IEBC said.
The commission said voting had closed in the majority of polling stations, with time being compensated at centres where polling opened late due to unforeseen circumstances. It also reiterated that results announced at polling stations are final.
According to IEBC, voter turnout in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election had reached 50.78 per cent by 3:00 pm, with official results expected to be published through the commission’s results portal as the tallying exercise continues.