The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cautioned voters and party agents against taking photographs of ballot papers during voting.
The commission stressed that the secrecy and integrity of individual votes must be protected at all times.
"Any breach is punishable by law," IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said in a statement.
The warning applies to media personnel and election observers as well.
While photographs of completed and certified result forms are allowed once results are officially declared, the commission clarified that capturing images of actual ballot papers is strictly prohibited.
IEBC will conduct by-elections in 22 electoral areas on Thursday, November 27.
The commission noted that sharing images of marked ballots can compromise the secrecy of the vote, risk misleading the public, and interfere with the free expression of voters’ choices. It urged all participants to respect the process to maintain public confidence in the elections.
Presiding officers will remain fully in charge of polling stations, and party agents are encouraged to cooperate to ensure smooth voting and counting.
Observers and media are expected to record proceedings accurately without interfering in the process.
"Any complaints should be raised respectfully and supported by tangible evidence," Ethekon said.
Regarding tallying centres, IEBC said access will be limited to accredited personnel with proper identification and badges.
Senior elected leaders and party officials observing the process are expected to respect the integrity of the exercise and cooperate fully with IEBC officials and security personnel.
The commission emphasised that no actions should disrupt or delay the tallying and announcement of results.
Earlier, IEBC said it has completed preparations for tomorrow’s by-elections in all 22 electoral areas, assuring Kenyans of a smooth, secure, and transparent voting process.
IEBC said election materials, polling officials, and security personnel have already been dispatched to their respective stations.
Upon arrival, the agency said, the teams will set up and remain overnight to ensure polling begins promptly at 6 am.
“Voters in the queue by 5 pm will still be allowed to cast their ballots, and any lost time at opening will be recovered at closing,” it said.
In Kasipul Constituency, Returning Officer Rebecca Abwaku, accompanied by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, oversaw the opening of ballot paper pallets.
The exercise was witnessed by chief agents of political parties, accredited observers, and the media, who verified that the pallets had not been tampered with, confirmed the correct serial numbers, and ensured that the ballot papers displayed the right candidates.
