IEBC Chairperson warns against unaccredited persons at Ol Kalou polling stations

The Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Erastus Ethekon, has issued a firm warning ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, saying the commission will not tolerate any unauthorized individuals, private security, or crowds of supporters at polling stations.

Speaking during a media briefing on Monday, Ethekon said the IEBC is committed to delivering a peaceful and credible poll on July 16 and that strict access rules will be enforced at all voting centers in the constituency.

“We will not allow anybody who has not been cleared to come with their security or supporters to disturb the peace of our polling stations,” Ethekon stated. “Anybody who doesn’t possess an accreditation badge should not be seen roaming around our polling stations. The police and our officials will take action.”

The remarks come just two days before voters in Ol Kalou go to the ballot to elect a new MP following the death of the area’s previous representative.

According to the IEBC, only duly accredited personnel will be permitted within the immediate vicinity of polling stations. This includes IEBC officials, security officers on official duty, accredited election observers, journalists with proper credentials, and party agents who have been cleared by the commission.

Ethekon emphasized that candidates are not allowed to bring personal bodyguards or large groups of supporters to polling centers. He said such actions create tension, intimidate voters, and interfere with the work of election staff.

“Elections are about order,” he said. “We have a responsibility to protect the voter and to protect the process. That means keeping polling stations free from congestion and from people who have no business being there.”

The Chairperson confirmed that the commission has shared the list of accredited individuals with the National Police Service to help with enforcement. Police have already announced the deployment of more than 1,000 officers to Ol Kalou, with two officers assigned to each polling station.

By-elections often attract high political interest and can become volatile if not well managed. Ol Kalou’s race has drawn national attention, with several parties fielding candidates and senior political leaders camping in the area to drum up support.

IEBC officials say experiences from past polls showed that the presence of unauthorized people around polling stations was a major source of conflict. Issues such as voter intimidation, scuffles between rival groups, and interference with ballot boxes have in the past been linked to crowds and private security details.

To avoid a repeat, the commission is working closely with security agencies to identify and remove anyone who tries to access a polling station without proper documentation.

“We are not here to frustrate anyone,” Ethekon said. “But the law is clear. If you are not accredited, you have no reason to be at the polling station. We will ask you to leave, and if you refuse, the police will intervene.”

The IEBC and police have set up joint command centers in Ol Kalou to monitor activities on election day. Rapid response teams will be on standby to deal with any disturbances, while patrol units will secure transport routes used to move ballot materials.

A 24-hour hotline has also been activated for members of the public to report suspicious activity, including people attempting to gain access to polling stations without badges.

The IG of Police, who addressed residents alongside IEBC officials, reiterated that officers will be “firm but professional” in enforcing the rules.

“Our job is to make sure the election is peaceful,” the IG said. “That includes ensuring that only the right people are where they are supposed to be.”

The commission says all logistical arrangements for the by-election are complete. Ballot papers and other materials have been delivered to Ol Kalou, and polling officials have undergone final training.

Ethekon urged voters to turn out early, carry their national IDs, and follow instructions from IEBC staff and security officers. He also cautioned against the spread of false information, particularly on social media, warning that those found inciting violence or spreading election-related misinformation will face legal consequences.

“Let us give our people a chance to choose their leader without fear,” he said. “That is the standard we are holding ourselves to.”

Candidates in the race have been summoned to a final peace meeting with IEBC and security officials. Most have signed a commitment to peaceful campaigning and to abide by the commission’s directives.

Civil society organizations in Nyandarua have also launched voter education drives, reminding residents that polling stations should remain neutral zones. Churches and local leaders have been used to spread the message of peace.

A local observer group noted that clear rules on access will help build public confidence in the process.

“When people see that only officials and accredited persons are at the polling station, it reduces suspicion,” a coordinator said. “It makes the process look clean.”

IEBC officials are urging Ol Kalou residents to take ownership of the process by reporting any irregularities and by refusing to be used to cause disruption.

Ethekon reminded voters that the by-election is about choosing representation for the constituency in Parliament, not about confrontation.

“Do not allow yourself to be used to cause chaos,” he said. “Come, vote, and go home. Let the officials do their work.”

He added that the commission will publish results at the constituency tallying center and will ensure transparency at every stage of counting and verification.

The Ol Kalou by-election is being closely watched as a test of IEBC’s readiness ahead of the 2027 General Election. The commission says lessons learned here will inform planning for the national poll.

With new leadership at the helm, the IEBC is keen to demonstrate improved management, better technology use, and stronger coordination with security agencies.

Ethekon said the commission’s priority is to restore public trust in elections by being consistent, transparent, and firm on the rules.

“We are building a culture where elections are not a time of fear, but a time of civic duty,” he said. “Ol Kalou gives us an opportunity to show that.”

As the countdown to July 16 continues, the message from IEBC is clear: polling stations in Ol Kalou will be secured, orderly, and accessible only to those with a legitimate role.

Anyone without an accreditation badge will be turned away. Anyone attempting to bring private security or supporters to disrupt voting will face action from police and election officials.

For voters, the assurance is that their safety and their vote will be protected. For candidates, the reminder is to campaign peacefully and respect the process.

With tightened access, heavy security deployment, and a public warning from the Chairperson himself, the IEBC is signaling that the Ol Kalou by-election will be run under strict rules and that peace will not be compromised.