The final warning has been issued. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has said only accredited election agents will be allowed inside polling stations during Thursday’s Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
The move was announced after concerns were raised over the growing presence of so-called “super agents” at recent by-elections. According to the commission, such individuals have attempted to influence or disrupt the voting process.
Access to Polling Stations Restricted
Speaking on Tuesday, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said strict rules would be enforced throughout the election.
“In previous by-elections, we observed individuals behaving like ‘super agents’ by attempting to interfere with the peaceful conduct of elections. We want to state categorically that we will not allow that to happen in Ol Kalou,” Ethekon said.
He said each political party or independent candidate would be allowed to appoint only one accredited agent at every polling station and one chief agent at the constituency tallying centre.
Only those issued with official IEBC accreditation badges will be granted access.
Politicians Put on Notice
Senior politicians have also been warned against visiting polling stations without approval from the electoral commission.
According to Ethekon, polling stations must remain neutral spaces where voters can cast their ballots without intimidation or disruption.
“We will not allow anybody, including senior politicians or leaders, who has not been cleared and accredited by the IEBC, to come with their security or supporters to disrupt polling stations or their surroundings,” he said.
He added that anyone claiming to be an election agent must carry a valid IEBC accreditation badge.
Campaigning Banned at Polling Centres
Political party colours and campaign activities will also be prohibited inside and around polling stations.
The National Police Service has been deployed to support IEBC officials and enforce the rules.
“We have asked the National Police Service to help us deal with the phenomenon of ‘super agents’. Should anyone attempt to interfere with the election process, the Commission will take decisive action,” Ethekon said.
Voters Asked to Carry IDs
Residents have been urged to report early and carry valid identification documents.
Registered voters will be required to present either a national identity card or a valid Kenyan passport before receiving a ballot.
The commission has also advised voters to leave polling stations immediately after voting to reduce congestion and allow polling officials to work without interruption.
Claims on Voter Register Rejected
The IEBC has dismissed claims circulating online and in political circles that the Ol Kalou voters’ register had been altered.
Ethekon described the allegations as false and urged residents to ignore messages encouraging them to stay away from polling stations or vote without identification.
“Anybody claiming that the register has been manipulated is spreading false, misleading and unsupported rumours,” he said.“We have seen reports that certain politicians are urging citizens of Ol Kalou not to show up with their ID cards or passports. That is completely misleading.”
He said only the official voter register would be used during the election.
Polls Open at 6am
Polling stations will open at 6:00am on Thursday and close at 5:00pm. Voters who are in the queue by the official closing time will still be allowed to cast their ballots.
The IEBC said presiding officers, working alongside police officers stationed at every polling centre, would be expected to maintain order and take lawful action against anyone found interfering with the voting process.
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