Voting in parts of Isiolo, Kakamega and Embu counties was pushed beyond the normal closing time after interruptions delayed the start of polling in several stations during Thursday’s by-elections.
In a statement released on February 26, 2026, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission said while many centres began the exercise at 6.00 a.m. as scheduled, a number faced challenges that affected the smooth opening of the process.
To make up for the disruption, presiding officers in the affected stations were instructed to add the exact time lost to the voting period.
The mini polls are being conducted to fill vacant seats in four elective areas. These are the Member of the National Assembly for Isiolo South Constituency in Isiolo County, the Member of the County Assembly for West Kabras Ward in Malava Constituency, Kakamega County, and the Members of the County Assemblies for Muminji and Evurore wards in Mbeere North Constituency, Embu County.
“Polling stations opened at 6.00 a.m. in most of the by-election areas. We appreciate that Kenyans woke up early in the morning, braving the chilly weather to queue at the various polling stations hours before opening,” IEBC said.
The Commission encouraged those who had not yet voted to turn out, assuring them that measures had been taken to safeguard their right to participate.
“Those who are yet to leave their homes are highly urged to go and exercise their democratic right—please go out and vote. In polling stations where unexpected delays in opening or interruptions in voting are experienced at a polling station, the Presiding Officer shall extend the hours of polling by the amount of time lost,” IEBC added.
Midday figures released by the agency showed that by 1.00 p.m., voter participation across the four by-election locations had reached 45.74 per cent of the registered voters.
The Commission also provided an update on the use of the Kenya Integrated Elections Management System kits deployed for voter identification. It confirmed that all voters listed in the certified Register of Voters in the respective areas were successfully identified using the KIEMS devices.
At the same time, IEBC said officers on the ground were handling any technical matters raised by returning and presiding officers, with teams working continuously to fix reported concerns.
On the issue of conduct inside polling rooms, the Commission stressed that the right to a secret ballot is protected under Articles 38(3)(b) and 81(e)(i) of the Constitution. It reminded voters that maintaining secrecy is a key pillar of Kenya’s democratic process.
The agency cautioned against taking photos or recording marked ballot papers while in the voting booth, saying such behaviour threatens the credibility of the exercise, opens room for pressure and bribery, and amounts to an electoral offence.
IEBC urged candidates, political parties, agents, the media and voters to observe the law and promote calm throughout the election period. It called for restraint and respect for the rules to ensure the by-elections are conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner.
