The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cautioned voters in Ol Kalou Constituency against taking photographs of marked ballot papers during the parliamentary by-election scheduled for Thursday, July 16.
Speaking on Tuesday, July 14, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said photographing a marked ballot paper is an offence under Section 7 of the Election Offences Act because it compromises the secrecy of the vote.
Ethekon warned that anyone found taking pictures of their marked ballot paper risks prosecution. Upon conviction, offenders could be fined up to Ksh1 million, sentenced to a prison term of up to three years, or both, as provided for under the law.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon. Photo: Courtesy.
The IEBC chair also announced that the commission will use a digital voter register integrated into the Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits during the by-election.
He said the voters’ register for Ol Kalou Constituency has already been gazetted and secured in accordance with legal requirements.
In addition, Ethekon urged all registered voters to carry their original national identity cards when going to cast their ballots.
He added that voters intending to use passports as identification should ensure the documents are valid and have not expired.
The by-election is expected to attract stiff competition, with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) fielding Samuel Muchina Nyagah, while the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has nominated Sammy Kamau Ngotho.
Other political parties participating in the race include Jubilee, the Party of National Unity (PNU), the National Liberal Party, Kenya Moja Movement, the Federal Party of Kenya and the People’s Renaissance Movement.
The Ol Kalou parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of former MP David Njuguna Kiaraho.
Kiaraho passed away on March 29 while receiving specialised treatment at The Nairobi Hospital, prompting the IEBC to organise the by-election to fill the vacant seat.
