Voting is underway in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, with thousands of residents turning out to elect a new Member of Parliament in a contest widely viewed as an early test of political strength ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) opened all 144 polling stations across the constituency at 6 a.m., with voting scheduled to close at 5 p.m. A total of 73,480 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at polling stations spread across Rurii, Kanjuiri Ridge, Karau, Kaimbaga and Mirangine wards. The parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of former MP David Kiaraho in March.
The race has largely narrowed to a contest between United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau, although seven other candidates are also on the ballot. Both leading candidates cast their votes early in the day and expressed confidence in securing victory while urging supporters to maintain peace throughout the exercise.
The by-election has, however, been accompanied by allegations of voter bribery and concerns over security. UDA candidate Nyagah claimed to have received reports of individuals distributing cash near polling stations, while DCP officials raised concerns over the presence of unmarked vehicles and a heavy deployment of security officers. The allegations have not been independently verified. In response, Central Regional Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha warned that any vehicle operating without registration plates would be impounded and said police would investigate any formally reported incidents.
Despite the concerns, voting has proceeded peacefully in most polling stations, with long queues reported as residents turned out in large numbers to exercise their democratic right. Results are expected to be tallied at the Ol Kalou Secondary School Hall constituency tallying centre after polls close.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) opened all 144 polling stations across the constituency at 6 a.m., with voting scheduled to close at 5 p.m. A total of 73,480 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at polling stations spread across Rurii, Kanjuiri Ridge, Karau, Kaimbaga and Mirangine wards. The parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of former MP David Kiaraho in March.
The race has largely narrowed to a contest between United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau, although seven other candidates are also on the ballot. Both leading candidates cast their votes early in the day and expressed confidence in securing victory while urging supporters to maintain peace throughout the exercise.
The by-election has, however, been accompanied by allegations of voter bribery and concerns over security. UDA candidate Nyagah claimed to have received reports of individuals distributing cash near polling stations, while DCP officials raised concerns over the presence of unmarked vehicles and a heavy deployment of security officers. The allegations have not been independently verified. In response, Central Regional Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha warned that any vehicle operating without registration plates would be impounded and said police would investigate any formally reported incidents.
Despite the concerns, voting has proceeded peacefully in most polling stations, with long queues reported as residents turned out in large numbers to exercise their democratic right. Results are expected to be tallied at the Ol Kalou Secondary School Hall constituency tallying centre after polls close.
