The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) 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.
Later in the day, Ethekon met with presiding officers and their deputies at Agoro Sare High School, which will serve as the Constituency Tallying Centre for Kasipul.
He urged polling officials to carry out their duties diligently, noting that they had been trained by the Commission’s top experts.
“The Commission has the best experts in election management, and they have meticulously trained the selected Poll Officers. Be firm and do your job as guided by law. When we succeed, it will be for our country. Let us carry out our duties peacefully and allow the people to elect leaders of their choice,” he said.
In Ugunja, Vice Chairperson Fahima Abdallah led a consultative meeting with the Siaya County Security Team, headed by County Police Commandant Samuel Kobina.
Abdallah praised the ongoing cooperation that has ensured a calm and secure election environment.
On his part, Kobina reaffirmed that adequate security personnel have been deployed to guarantee a peaceful voting process.
Abdallah also visited the Siaya County Commissioner’s office, where Deputy County Commissioner Masaine Kishoiyan pledged full administrative support throughout the by-election.
Meanwhile, in Mbeere North, Commissioner Francis Aduol met with the local security team led by Deputy County Commissioner Harrison Ngwili.
Aduol commended the team for maintaining peace during the campaign period and requested continued support on election day.
The security team assured IEBC of their readiness to respond swiftly to any challenges.
As Kenyans prepare to cast their votes tomorrow, the IEBC has assured the public of well-coordinated, secure, and transparent elections.
