IEBC warns against ‘super agents’ in by-elections

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has assured the country that preparations for Thursday’s by-elections in Narok, Samburu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties are complete, while warning against intimidation, unlawful interference and the use of unauthorised political agents.

IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the commission is fully prepared to conduct peaceful, free, fair and credible mini-polls in Emurua Dikirr Constituency, Porro Ward and Endo Ward.

The by-elections scheduled for May 14 will fill the vacant positions of Member of National Assembly for Emurua Dikirr Constituency in Narok County, and Member of County Assembly for Porro Ward in Samburu County and Endo Ward in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

“IEBC wishes to inform the nation that all preparations for the by-elections scheduled for Thursday, 14th May 2026 are progressing as scheduled,” Ethekon said.

The commission cautioned state officers and public officers against engaging in activities outside the law during the voting exercise, noting that those who are registered voters are only permitted to vote at their designated polling stations.

“State officers and public officers who are registered voters are entitled to vote only at their designated polling stations. They are not permitted to roam from one polling station to another,” the chairperson said.

IEBC also dismissed claims or plans for the deployment of so-called “super agents” at polling centres, insisting that only legally accredited agents will be allowed access.

“There is no provision in law for ‘super agents’ or any unauthorised persons to operate within polling or tallying centres,” Ethekon said.

He clarified that accredited agents will be allowed to take photographs of official results forms, adding that copies of the forms will be publicly displayed at polling stations after counting.

“Agents present will be allowed to take photographs of the official results forms, and a copy of the results form will be pasted at the polling station for public display,” he said.

The commission said it has strengthened security arrangements in collaboration with the National Police Service to ensure order throughout the electoral process.

According to IEBC, two uniformed police officers will be deployed at every polling station, while additional officers will be stationed at tallying centres.

“The commission working with the National Police Service shall deploy two uniformed police officers at every polling station, while additional uniformed officers will be deployed at tallying centres to maintain law and order and safeguard the electoral process,” Ethekon said.

The commission further warned that it will take action against any election officials who violate the law or compromise the integrity of the vote.

“The Commission calls upon all polling officials to discharge their duties with integrity, impartiality and full adherence to the Code of Conduct,” he said.

“Any official found in breach of the Code or the Election Offences Act will face firm action.”

IEBC also appealed to political parties, candidates, agents, the media and voters to maintain peace before, during and after the by-elections.

“We urge all stakeholders to respect the law, uphold peace before, during and after polling, and refrain from any actions that may compromise the secrecy or integrity of the vote,” Ethekon said.

The commission warned that it will not tolerate voter intimidation, disruption of polling stations or interference with election officials.

“The commission will not tolerate any form of intimidation of voters, interference with election officials, obstruction of the voting and counting process or any conduct that undermines the integrity of the election,” he added.

Ethekon reminded aggrieved parties that any disputes arising from the polls should be handled through the courts.

“Any aggrieved party is reminded that the courts of law remain the lawful avenue for electoral dispute resolution,” he said.

The commission added that members of the public will be able to access official results through its online results portal once polling and tallying are completed.