The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has urged residents of Ol Kalou Constituency to turn out in large numbers and peacefully elect their next Member of Parliament, as one of the most closely watched by-elections in recent years got underway on Thursday.
In a statement issued as polling stations opened, the Commission encouraged eligible voters to exercise their democratic right and choose the candidate of their choice.
"To all voters in the Ol Kalou by-election: your participation matters. We encourage you to turn out in large numbers and peacefully exercise your democratic right and vote for your preferred candidate," the IEBC said.
The by-election was occasioned by the death of Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho earlier this year, leaving the Nyandarua constituency without representation in the National Assembly and triggering a fresh election in accordance with the Constitution and the Elections Act.
What would ordinarily have been a routine by-election has evolved into a high-stakes political contest, with both the Kenya Kwanza administration and the opposition viewing the race as an early indicator of voter sentiment in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
President William Ruto led Kenya Kwanza's campaign, urging voters to back the government's candidate to ensure continued development in the constituency.
On the other hand, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua framed the contest as a fight to reclaim the dignity and political voice of the Mt Kenya region following his fallout with President Ruto.
In his voting day message, Gachagua urged residents to report to polling stations early.
"We are priceless and will never sell our birthright to anyone, no matter the price. You have withstood intimidation and remain fearless," he said.
He also claimed that the by-election would determine whether the region could "restore its dignity," while citing the legacy of freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi and former Nyandarua North MP JM Kariuki.
Amid the heightened political temperatures, the IEBC has repeatedly reminded voters and election officials to strictly adhere to electoral laws.
Earlier, the Commission said all eligible voters whose names appear in the certified register would be identified using the Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) kits before being allowed to vote.
"All eligible voters appearing in the certified Register of Voters for the by-election area will be identified biometrically using the Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) kit."
The Commission also clarified the rules governing assisted voting, saying voters living with disabilities, those who are illiterate or those requiring assistance for lawful reasons are entitled to be helped by a person of their choice.
However, it cautioned against abuse of the process.
"Only one assistant is permitted, and no person shall assist more than one voter. Such assistance shall be recorded, and the assistant shall be appropriately marked as proof of having assisted a voter."
The reminders come after weeks of voter education by the electoral agency, which has also urged the public to rely on verified information published through its official communication channels to counter misinformation.
Polling stations opened at 6 a.m. and are 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 replace the late David Kiaraho in the National Assembly and serve for the remainder of the current parliamentary term. Beyond filling the vacant seat, however, the outcome is expected to provide an early indication of the political mood in Mt Kenya as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 General Election.
