IEBC Chair Erastus Ethekon Issues Strict Directives and Warnings Ahead of Ol Kalou By-Election
News Updated: 14 July 2026 14:56 EAT
IEBC chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon addressing the press ahead of the Ol Kalou by-election on Thursday 16th July 2026
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson, Erastus Edung Ethekon, has issued a comprehensive address detailing voting guidelines, security measures, and regulatory enforcement ahead of the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election. Speaking during a press briefing, Ethekon sought to reassure voters while setting strict parameters for the conduct of candidates, political agents, and the electorate.
First addressing voter identification requirements, the IEBC chairperson reminded residents of Ol Kalou that they must present valid, original national identification documents.
"We wish to remind the people of Alcalao [Ol Kalou] that all the registered voters in Okcalao constituency they must turn up with their national ID cards that are valid," Ethekon declared, setting a firm standard for voter eligibility on polling day.
Ethekon further clarified the rules regarding alternative identification, specifically addressing the validity of passports.
He stated, "and for the case of the passport they must verify and confirm that their passport is valid has not expired because these are the primary documents" that the commission will rely upon to establish eligibility.
Expanding on the verification process, Ethekon outlined how technology will be utilized to safeguard the integrity of the vote.
"Once you show up with your ID or your passport that is valid we shall use the biometric means to identify and authenticate case those voters," he explained, noting that biometric features like fingerprints and facial scans captured in the database will be used.
The chairperson also defended the credibility of the voter register, confirming that the document is secure and legally certified. He assured the public,
"We have gazetted the register for Alcalao constituency and that register I wish to assure the people of Alcalao and indeed Kenyans that that register is secure and we certify that register on 5th of June, 2026."
Addressing rumors regarding register tampering, Ethekon strongly dismissed allegations from political players and activists.
"So anybody who claims that the register has been manipulated is spreading false, misleading and unsupported rumors," the IEBC chair stated, urging citizens to ignore misleading narratives.
Ethekon took issue with a section of political figures who have allegedly discouraged citizens from presenting their identification documents at polling stations.
He noted, "We heard through a section of the media and we have investigated this matter where certain politician has urged the citizens of Okalao not to show up with their IDs or their passports. That is completely misleading."
Regarding the logistical timeline for the election, the chairperson specified the operating hours and promised that the commission would compensate for any delays.
Ethekon announced, "Opening and closing of the polling stations... open at 6:00 a.m. and they close at 5:00 p.m.," adding that voters already on the queue at 5:00 p.m. will be allowed to cast their votes.
Highlighting polling booth conduct, the commission chairperson announced a strict ban on the use of mobile phones during the voting process.
"The sanctity and secrecy of the vote requires that you keep it secret," Ethekon stressed, cautioning against the temptation to document marked ballots.
Ethekon warned that taking photos of marked ballots violates the law and carries severe statutory penalties, including heavy fines or imprisonment.
"If you again make that ballot public and it is against section 7 of the election offenses act," he warned, "you will pay a fine of up to 1 million Kenya shillings" or face a jail term of up to three years.
The IEBC chief also laid down strict regulations concerning assisted voters, noting that while the law allows for physical assistance, no single individual is permitted to assist multiple voters.
"The law allows that those voters can be assisted by a person of their choice," Ethekon noted, adding firmly, "no one person is allowed to assist more than one voter."
Turning to the accreditation of political party representatives, the chairperson emphasized that unauthorized individuals will not be permitted to roam around polling centers.
Ethekon declared, "each candidate or political party is allowed to appoint only one agent at each polling station and one chief agent at the [tallying] center," warning that unaccredited persons would be removed by security.
Addressing security concerns, the IEBC chairperson acknowledged worrying reports of organized political gangs being mobilized to disrupt campaigns and intimidate residents.
"We’ve seen situations where in some cases goons are present in our electoral areas mobilized to intimidate and to disrupt the peaceful campaigns...Ol Kalou has not been spared either," Ethekon remarked.
Concluding his briefing, Ethekon appealed to political parties and their supporters to refrain from unlawful acts and cooperate with law enforcement to guarantee a peaceful process.
"We wish to call upon all those people, political parties, the candidates themselves and their political supporters to refrain from any acts that will constitute violence and breach of the election code," Ethekon urged.
Tags: Article DCP DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua Editor's Pick Edung Ethekon Election Elections Iebc Iebc Clearance Exercise IEBC Iebc Voter Iebc Voter Verification News Article Ol Kalou MP Uda William Ruto
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