The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has issued a stern warning against ballot photography, unauthorized political agents and interference by public officials ahead of Thursday’s by-elections in Narok, Samburu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
In a statement released on the eve of the polls, the commission said all preparations for the by-elections had been completed and urged voters, candidates and election officials to strictly adhere to electoral laws.
The mini polls will fill vacant positions for Member of Parliament in Emurua Dikirr Constituency and Member of County Assembly seats in Porro Ward, Samburu County, and Endo Ward in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The by-elections were occasioned by deaths and a court ruling that nullified one of the MCA elections.
But even as the commission expressed confidence in its preparedness, it raised concern over growing attempts to undermine electoral procedures, particularly through unauthorized activities at polling stations.
“No one is allowed to take pictures of ballot papers in the polling booth. Doing so constitutes an election offence under Section 7(3)(e) of the Election Offences Act, No. 37 of 2016,” the commission said.
The warning comes amid increasing concerns by election observers over the use of ballot photographs by politicians and agents to monitor voter loyalty and influence voting patterns.
The commission also outlawed the use of so-called “super agents”, insisting that only legally accredited agents would be allowed access to polling and tallying centres.
“There is no provision in law for ‘super agents’ or any unauthorized persons to operate within polling or tallying centres,” IEBC said.
The agency further cautioned state and public officers against moving from one polling station to another during voting.
“State officers and public officers who are registered voters are entitled to vote only at their designated polling stations. They are not permitted to roam from one polling station to another,” the commission said.
The statement appeared aimed at curbing political intimidation and interference that have previously been reported during by-elections and party primaries.
Campaigns for the three races officially closed on Monday evening, paving the way for a cooling-off period before voting.
The IEBC also issued fresh guidelines on assisted voting, saying only one assistant would be permitted to help a voter and that no individual would be allowed to assist more than one person.
Election officials were warned against misconduct, with the commission promising disciplinary action against anyone found violating the electoral code of conduct or election laws.
“The Commission calls upon all polling officials to discharge their duties with integrity, impartiality, and full adherence to the Code of Conduct. Any official found in breach of the Code or the Election Offences Act will face firm action,” the statement said.
The electoral agency urged political parties, candidates, agents, the media and voters to maintain peace and avoid actions that could compromise the credibility of the process.
“The Commission remains fully committed to delivering peaceful, free, fair, transparent, and credible by-elections,” IEBC said.
The by-elections are being closely watched as one of the first electoral tests for the reconstituted commission ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Analysts say the outcome and management of the mini polls could shape public confidence in the IEBC after years of political disputes, leadership wrangles and accusations of electoral malpractice.
