Voting has officially commenced in the Ol Kalou Constituency by-election in Nyandarua County, with polling stations opening at 6:00 AM on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced that while stations are scheduled to close at 5:00 PM, any voter remaining in the queue at that time will be permitted to cast their ballot.
The commission has also assured the public that any polling time lost during the day will be fully recovered at the close of the exercise.
The by-election is being held to fill the National Assembly seat left vacant following the passing of Member of Parliament David Njuguna Kiaraho of the Jubilee Party on March 29, 2026.
The high-profile contest has drawn significant national attention, serving as a critical indicator of political alignment in the Mt. Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
As the exercise progresses, the IEBC has strongly emphasized that the secrecy of the ballot is a fundamental constitutional right guaranteed under Articles 38(3)(b) and 81(e)(i).
To preserve electoral integrity, the commission has issued a strict warning that photographing or recording marked ballot papers is prohibited and constitutes an electoral offense.
The agency noted that such actions compromise the voting process and expose voters to undue influence, coercion, or vote-buying.
Polling is expected to conclude smoothly, with the official tallying and counting of votes scheduled to begin immediately after the polls close at 5:00 PM.
