Police mount roadblocks on Gilgil–Ol Kalou–Nyahururu highway ahead of by-election
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, July 15, 2026Security agencies have intensified operations along the Gilgil–Ol Kalou–Nyahururu highway, mounting roadblocks and conducting thorough security checks on motorists ahead of Thursday’s Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
The heightened security presence on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, comes amid concerns over possible disruptions during the highly anticipated poll, with officers stopping vehicles for inspections as part of efforts to prevent the movement of suspected goons, illegal weapons and other items that could threaten peace.
Police officers were stationed at strategic points near Ol Kalou town, where they screened motorists and passengers while monitoring traffic entering and leaving the constituency. Security personnel also carried out patrols in surrounding areas as part of a broader operation to maintain law and order.
Authorities say the security measures are aimed at ensuring voters, election officials and observers can move freely and safely during the election period.
The operation follows several days of heightened political activity in Ol Kalou, with rival camps concluding their campaigns ahead of the official campaign blackout period. The constituency has remained under close watch following recent claims and counterclaims by political leaders over alleged plans to disrupt the by-election.
Police have urged members of the public to cooperate with officers manning the roadblocks and to report any suspicious individuals or activities that could compromise security.
The deployment is part of a wider security plan involving multiple agencies tasked with safeguarding polling stations, election materials and key transport routes before, during and after voting.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has already completed the distribution of election materials to polling officials across the constituency, with security agencies expected to escort sensitive materials to polling stations.
Voting in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election is scheduled to take place on Thursday, with security remaining a key focus as authorities seek to ensure a peaceful, free and credible electoral process.
Deployment of over 1000 police officers in Ol Kalou
This comes a day after the National Police Service announced the deployment of more than 1,000 officers, four water cannons and specialised tactical units to secure Thursday’s high-stakes Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election amid heightened political tensions, allegations of voter bribery and isolated incidents of violence.
The Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, said the elaborate security operation is designed to guarantee a peaceful, free and credible election, assuring residents they will be able to exercise their democratic rights without intimidation.
“The people of Ol Kalou are expected to exercise their democratic rights in a free, fair, peaceful, secure and credible manner as guided by our Constitution and the laws of the land,” Kanja said during a joint briefing with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).