As the clock struck 5 pm on Thursday, voting officially closed across the country in the hotly contested by-elections—marking the beginning of a decisive and closely watched counting process.
Long queues were witnessed in multiple regions, including Mbeere North constituency, where determined voters braved the day to cast their ballots as required by law.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) assured Kenyans that the vote-counting phase would be executed with full transparency, in line with constitutional requirements and the commission’s renewed commitment to openness.
In a statement posted on X, IEBC emphasized that ballot boxes will be opened publicly—before agents, observers, and the media—as the counting process kicks off nationwide.
“The presiding officer will open the boxes, count the ballots, and tabulate results at the polling station in an open and transparent process,” IEBC stated.
Moreover, the Commission confirmed that anyone already in the queue by 5 pm would still be allowed to vote, in adherence to electoral guidelines.
Polling began at 6:00 am across all 22 electoral areas, with voters identified using the KIEMS biometric system. The 2022 voter register was displayed at each polling centre to enhance credibility and allow voters to verify their details.
IEBC outlined a meticulous results-handling procedure designed to eliminate doubts and curb misinformation:
Results will be recorded on official forms once counting concludes.
These forms will be signed by agents.
Copies will be issued to agents, while
One copy is pinned on the polling station door for public viewing.
The Presiding Officer will then announce the results at the polling station before packaging all materials for delivery to the constituency tallying centre.
All official results will also be uploaded and made accessible to the public through the IEBC results portal:
forms.iebc.or.ke
The National Police Service earlier assured Kenyans of heavy deployment across polling stations, key routes, and sensitive areas to guarantee peace throughout the exercise.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen issued a firm warning to politicians—stop mobilising crowds to “protect votes.”
“No civilian has been given the responsibility to protect any vote. Security is the preserve of the National Police Service,” Murkomen said while inspecting preparations in Kasipul.
He condemned attempts to hire or ferry goons to polling or tallying centres, warning that those caught will “face the full wrath of the law.”
Murkomen urged voters to go home immediately after casting their ballots:
“Once you vote, go home and wait for the results. There is nothing like protecting your vote. Voting ends at the polling station.”
With by-elections conducted in 22 electoral areas, today’s outcomes will shape local political landscapes and influence national political strategies heading into 2026.
As counting continues into the night, IEBC has urged Kenyans to follow verified sources and avoid misinformation:
Stay tuned for live updates as results start streaming in………
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