The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has called on voters taking part in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election to report any electoral offences through the proper channels and provide credible evidence to support their claims, saying officers are ready to investigate complaints as voting continues across the constituency.
The commission said it has activated its investigation team to respond to reports made during the election and warned that anyone found breaking electoral laws or the Electoral Code of Conduct will face legal action. It stressed that the rules apply equally to candidates, political parties, agents and their supporters throughout the voting process.
"The commission remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering a peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible election whose outcome reflects the freely expressed will of the people."
Voting began at 6.00am in all 144 polling stations, with residents turning out to elect a new Member of Parliament following the death of David Kiaraho on March 29, 2026.
The race has attracted candidates from major political parties, emerging parties and independent candidates, making the contest one of the most closely watched by-elections in the Mt Kenya region this year.
Voters are choosing from Samuel Muchina Nyagah of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Sammy Douglas Kamau Ngotho of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), Wilson Kigwa of the Jubilee Party, Rachel Wangui Njoroge of the People's Democratic Party, independent candidate Edward Mathenge, Stephen Wanyoike Waithaka of the National Liberal Party and Edwin Kariiri Muchiri of the Party of National Unity (PNU).
Two other candidates representing smaller political parties and independent interests were also cleared to contest the seat, while Rachel Wangui Njoroge is the only woman seeking the parliamentary position.
Even with a crowded ballot, political interest has largely centred on the contest between UDA's Samuel Muchina Nyagah and DCP's Sammy Douglas Kamau Ngotho, with the outcome expected to offer an early indication of party strength in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The IEBC said security arrangements have been put in place to ensure the exercise remains peaceful and orderly from the opening of polling stations to the declaration of results.
"Two uniformed police officers will be deployed at every polling station, while additional officers will be stationed at tallying centres to maintain law and order and safeguard the integrity of the election."
The electoral agency also reminded voters to leave polling stations immediately after casting their ballots. It further warned against carrying mobile phones into polling booths or taking photographs of marked ballot papers.
"Taking photographs or recording images of marked ballot papers inside the polling booth is strictly prohibited and constitutes an election offence under Section 7(3)(e) of the Election Offences Act, No. 37 of 2016."
The commission said anyone who violates the law will be prosecuted.
Voting is expected to end at 5.00pm, although voters who will be in the queue by the official closing time will still be allowed to cast their ballots.
The commission also said any polling station that opened later than the scheduled time will have its voting hours extended to make up for the lost time and ensure voters receive the full polling period.