The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has reminded voters that while those who need assistance are entitled to receive help when casting their ballots, no individual is allowed to assist more than one voter during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
The by-election was necessitated by the death of Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho in February this year, leaving the Nyandarua constituency without representation in the National Assembly and prompting the IEBC to organise a fresh election.
With voting underway on Thursday, the Commission issued fresh guidelines on assisted voting, saying the law protects the rights of persons with disabilities, the elderly, illiterate voters and others who may require help to vote.
However, it warned that the process must be conducted within the law to safeguard the integrity of the election.
"A voter who requires assistance due to disability, illiteracy or other lawful reasons is entitled to be assisted by a person of their own choice," the Commission said.
It added that only one assistant is permitted for each voter and that no individual may assist more than one voter during the election.
To prevent abuse, the IEBC said every case of assisted voting must be recorded in the polling station register, while the assistant must be marked after offering assistance to ensure they do not help another voter.
The reminder comes amid heightened interest in the by-election, which has attracted intense campaigns from both the Kenya Kwanza and opposition camps. Political leaders have pitched the contest as an important test of influence in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Election observers have in previous polls raised concerns that assisted voting can be exploited to influence vulnerable voters if proper safeguards are not followed. The IEBC's latest advisory appears aimed at reinforcing public confidence in the voting process and ensuring polling officials apply the rules consistently across all polling stations.
The Commission also urged voters to ignore rumours and rely on information published through its official communication channels.
Polling began at 6 a.m. and is expected to close at 5 p.m., after which counting will begin at the polling stations before results are transmitted to the constituency tallying centre. The winner will become the new Ol Kalou MP, filling the seat left vacant following Kiaraho's death.
