Security heightened in Ol Kalou ahead of Thursday’s by-election
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, July 15, 2026Police officers on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, held a security briefing in Ol Kalou as authorities finalised preparations ahead of the parliamentary by-election scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026.
The briefing brought together officers from various security units who have been deployed to maintain law and order, protect election officials, secure polling stations and ensure the smooth movement of election materials during the July 16 by-election.
Senior security officials directed officers to remain impartial, professional and vigilant throughout the electoral process, stressing that all voters must be allowed to cast their ballots in a peaceful and secure environment.
The heightened security operation comes after days of intense political campaigns and heightened tensions in the constituency, prompting authorities to bolster security to prevent any disruption during polling.
Police are expected to maintain a strong presence at polling stations, tallying centres and other strategic locations from the opening of polling stations until the completion of vote counting and the declaration of results.
IEBC completes preparation for by-election
The deployment follows the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s (IEBC) completion of the distribution of election materials to polling officials. Candidates, chief agents, security agencies and members of the media witnessed the verification of ballot paper security seals before the materials were dispatched to polling stations across the constituency.
Authorities have appealed to residents to remain peaceful and cooperate with security officers during the exercise, warning that anyone involved in violence, voter intimidation, electoral malpractice or the destruction of election materials will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has emerged as one of the country’s closely watched electoral contests, attracting significant political interest and heightened security as voters prepare to elect their new Member of Parliament on Thursday.