Vote counting has started across most polling stations in the 22 constituencies that went to by-elections on Thursday, bringing the day-long electoral exercise to its decisive stage.
The voting process, which began early at 6 am in many areas, officially closed at 5 pm, though some stations extended hours due to delays in delivering materials or setting up polling equipment.
The by-elections included the Baringo senatorial seat and parliamentary contests in Ugunja, Magarini, Kasipul, Malava, Banissa, and Mbeere North. Counting is now underway at constituency and ward centres under the watch of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), with candidates’ agents, accredited observers, media representatives, and security personnel present to monitor the process.
According to the Elections Act, presiding officers must open ballot boxes and count votes at the polling stations in an open procedure that allows public scrutiny. Agents can photograph official results forms, and each station is required to display its tally for public viewing.
Once counting at the polling stations is complete, returning officers collect the results, verify the figures, and tabulate constituency-level outcomes before officially announcing the winners.
“Any aggrieved party is reminded that the courts of law remain the lawful avenue for electoral dispute resolution,” the IEBC said, urging candidates and supporters to respect legal channels.
Tallying in Siakago, Mbeere North, started amid tension after police fired teargas and shots into the air to control crowds attempting to enter the centre without accreditation. The commission reminded the public that only individuals with proper identification and badges are permitted inside counting venues.
“In cases where senior elected and party leaders would like to witness the tallying process, we urge all of them to respect the integrity and the importance of the tallying centre and to accord our officials and security the necessary cooperation and support,” the IEBC noted. Results will also be available through the commission’s official portal at forms.iebc.or.ke.
While most areas reported peaceful voting, isolated clashes occurred throughout the day. In Kasipul, Malava, and Kabuchai, security forces intervened to restore order after incidents involving rival supporters and disruptions near polling stations.
Seventeen youths were arrested in Kasipul for carrying crude weapons, and police are tracking another group allegedly in possession of a stolen firearm from earlier clashes.
The IEBC dismissed claims of ballot stuffing circulating online, pointing to robust security, monitoring systems, and the presence of observers as safeguards against manipulation.
Authorities are working closely with security agencies to maintain calm and ensure the integrity of the vote counting process. Results from the 22 areas are expected to be released gradually overnight.
