IEBC Reports Peaceful Ol Kalou By-election as Vote Counting Begins

Kenya, 16 July 2026 - The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has reported a largely peaceful by-election in Ol Kalou Constituency, with vote counting underway after polling closed on Thursday evening.

In a status update issued by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, the commission commended voters for turning out peacefully, saying only minimal incidents were reported and were promptly resolved.

"As at 3.00 p.m., 50.78 per cent of the registered voters in Ol Kalou Constituency had turned out to vote," the commission said.

The electoral agency said voting had closed in the majority of polling stations and counting had begun, noting that stations that opened late would be allowed additional time to compensate for delays.

IEBC reminded the public that results announced at individual polling stations are final, as provided for under Kenyan electoral law.

The commission also outlined measures aimed at enhancing transparency during the tallying process. It said political party agents would be allowed to photograph official results forms, while copies of the forms would be displayed publicly at polling stations.

Returning officers will receive results from all presiding officers, verify and collate constituency results before declaring the winner in the presence of agents and accredited stakeholders.

IEBC said only accredited officials, agents, observers and authorised persons would be allowed into tallying centres and urged political leaders to avoid actions that could disrupt or delay the tallying and declaration of results.

"We do not expect any leaders to engage in actions that could disrupt and delay the tallying and announcement of results," the commission said.

The commission further condemned isolated cases of violence, intimidation and disruption reported during the voting process, saying elections must remain peaceful and credible.

It said it was working closely with security agencies to take swift action against those responsible for any disturbances and restore calm where necessary.

IEBC also urged candidates, supporters and political actors to uphold the rule of law and participate peacefully throughout the remainder of the electoral process.

The commission reminded any aggrieved parties that election disputes should be resolved through the courts.

To promote transparency, IEBC said the constituency results would be available to the public through its online results portal.

The electoral agency urged Kenyans to rely only on official information released by the commission and refrain from sharing unverified reports that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

IEBC reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a transparent, peaceful and credible by-election and thanked voters, election officials, agents and observers for their cooperation.