By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, July 16, 2026 - The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has reminded voters in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election that those who require assistance to cast their ballots are entitled to choose their own helper, while warning that strict legal safeguards remain in place to protect the integrity of the vote.
The guidance was issued on Thursday as residents across the Nyandarua constituency voted to elect a new Member of the National Assembly in a contest seen as an early political test ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to the commission, voters who are unable to vote independently because of disability, illiteracy or other lawful reasons have the right to receive assistance from a person they trust.
"The Commission reminds the public that voters who require assistance due to disability, illiteracy, or other lawful reasons are entitled to be assisted by a person of their own choice," IEBC said.
However, the electoral body emphasised that each assistant can only help one voter, and the process must be documented in line with electoral law.
"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, in accordance with the law," the commission said.
IEBC also cautioned voters against photographing or recording their marked ballot papers, warning that doing so violates the secrecy of the ballot and amounts to an electoral offence.
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The commission said all eligible voters would be identified using the Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) before being issued with ballot papers.
Polling stations opened at 6.00 am and are expected to close at 5.00 pm, although any voter in the queue by the official closing time will still be allowed to cast a ballot.
IEBC urged residents to turn out peacefully and exercise their democratic right.
"Your participation matters. We encourage you to turn out in large numbers and peacefully exercise your democratic right and vote in your preferred candidate," the commission said.
The Ol Kalou by-election follows the death of Jubilee Party MP David Njuguna Kiaraho in March and is being closely watched as a measure of political strength in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.