The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission says it has completed all arrangements for today's ( Thursday) by-elections in 22 electoral areas, promising a smooth and orderly process as voters head to the polls. The agency noted that every team involved in the exercise is already in place, with officials reporting to their stations ahead of tomorrow’s opening of polling centres.
IEBC said ballot materials, trained polling officials and security officers have been sent to all locations, where they will spend the night to ensure voting starts at 6 am without delays.
The Commission reminded the public that polling will continue up to 5 pm, and those already in line at closing time will be allowed to vote.
“Voters in the queue by 5 pm will still be allowed to cast their ballots, and any lost time at opening will be recovered at closing,” it said.
In Kasipul Constituency, Returning Officer Rebecca Abwaku, together with IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, supervised the opening of ballot paper pallets.
The process was observed by chief agents of various political parties, accredited observers and media teams, who checked the serial numbers and confirmed the pallets were intact and carried the correct ballot papers for all candidates.
Ethekon later met presiding officers and their deputies at Agoro Sare High School, which has been set as the tallying centre for the constituency. He encouraged officials to apply what they have been taught and run the exercise with professionalism.
“The Commission has the best experts in election management, and they have meticulously trained the selected Poll Officers. Be firm and do your job as guided by law. When we succeed, it will be for our country. Let us carry out our duties peacefully and allow the people to elect leaders of their choice,” he said.
In Ugunja, IEBC Vice Chairperson Fahima Abdallah held a meeting with the Siaya County Security Team led by County Police Commandant Samuel Kobina. Abdallah welcomed the continued support from security agencies, saying the cooperation has helped maintain calm as the by-election approaches.
Kobina also confirmed that enough officers have been deployed to ensure the process is peaceful.
Abdallah later visited the Siaya County Commissioner’s office, where Deputy County Commissioner Masaine Kishoiyan promised full administrative support throughout the voting exercise.
Elsewhere in Mbeere North, Commissioner Francis Aduol met the local security team under Deputy County Commissioner Harrison Ngwili. Aduol appreciated the efforts made to keep the campaign period peaceful and asked that the same level of cooperation be upheld on election day. The security officials assured the Commission that they are prepared to address any issues quickly.
With all teams now settled at their stations, the IEBC says it is confident the by-elections will be conducted in a well-coordinated, secure and transparent manner as Kenyans prepare to vote on Wednesday.
