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The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has cautioned Ol Kalou voters against taking photos of marked ballot papers during Thursday’s parliamentary by-election. The commission warned that anyone who breaks the law risks heavy fines and a prison sentence.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon issued the warning on Tuesday, July 14, while briefing the media ahead of the vote. He urged residents to protect the secrecy of the ballot throughout the election.
Ethekon said the law prohibits voters from photographing marked ballot papers inside polling stations. He explained that secret voting remains one of the key principles of Kenya’s electoral process.
He noted that sharing a marked ballot defeats the purpose of voting by secret ballot. The commission therefore urged voters to avoid actions that violate the Election Offences Act.
Offenders Risk KSh1 Million Fine
The IEBC warned that authorities will prosecute anyone caught taking pictures of completed ballot papers. Convicted offenders could pay a fine of up to KSh1 million.
The law also allows courts to impose a prison sentence of up to three years. Ethekon said the commission will enforce the law without exception during the by-election.
The electoral commission confirmed that officials will identify voters using the digital register integrated into KIEMS kits. Ethekon said the commission has already gazetted and secured the voters’ register for Ol Kalou.
He encouraged registered voters to carry their original national identity cards when reporting to polling stations. Passport holders should also ensure their travel documents remain valid before voting.
Tight Race Expected
The Ol Kalou parliamentary contest has attracted candidates from several political parties. UDA has nominated Samuel Muchina Nyagah, while the Democracy for the Citizens Party has fronted Sammy Kamau Ngotho.
Jubilee, PNU, the National Liberal Party, Kenya Moja Movement, the Federal Party of Kenya and the People’s Renaissance Movement have also entered the race. The by-election follows the death of former area MP David Njuguna Kiaraho earlier this year.
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