IEBC sets ground rules for assisted voting in Ol Kalou

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has clarified the rules governing voter assistance as polling continues in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, saying eligible voters who require help are entitled to be assisted by a person of their own choice.

The commission issued the guidance on Thursday, July 16, 2026, as residents voted to elect a new Member of the National Assembly in the closely watched Nyandarua County contest.

"The Commission reminds the public that voters who require assistance due to disability, illiteracy, or other lawful reasons are entitled to be assisted by a person of their own choice," the IEBC said.

The electoral agency, however, stressed that the law places limits on who can assist voters and how the process should be handled.

"However, only one assistant is permitted, and no person shall assist more than one voter. Such assistance shall be recorded, and the assistant shall be appropriately marked as proof of having assisted a voter, in accordance with the law," the commission said.

The IEBC also encouraged residents to participate peacefully in the by-election.

"To all voters in the Ol Kalou by-election: your participation matters. We encourage you to turn out in large numbers and peacefully exercise your democratic right and vote in your preferred candidate," the commission said.

The electoral agency reiterated that all eligible voters appearing in the certified Register of Voters for the by-election area will be identified biometrically using the Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) kit before receiving their ballot papers.

It also reminded voters that the secrecy of the ballot is protected by the Constitution and warned against photographing or recording marked ballot papers, saying such acts compromise the integrity of the electoral process and constitute an electoral offence.

Polling stations opened at 6.00 am and are scheduled to close at 5.00 pm. The commission said any time lost during polling will be recovered at closing, while voters who are in the queue by the official closing time will still be allowed to cast their ballots.

The Ol Kalou by-election is being held to fill the parliamentary seat left vacant following the death of Jubilee Party MP David Njuguna Kiaraho on March 29, 2026. The contest is widely viewed as a litmus test of political influence in the Mt. Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.