IEBC warns voters against photographing ballots, violence as by-elections near
Commissioner Alutala Mukhwana said officers in uniform and plainclothes will be stationed in sensitive areas to monitor developments and prevent any disturbances.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has intensified security arrangements in all constituencies preparing for by-elections, focusing on both voter safety and the integrity of the process.
Commissioner Alutala Mukhwana said officers in uniform and plainclothes will be stationed in sensitive areas to monitor developments and prevent any disturbances.
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Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Mukhwana acknowledged that by-elections are inherently charged, noting that competition naturally raises tensions.
“These elections are a competition, tensions must rise, they already have, but in terms of security, the arrangements we have put in place across all 22 areas ensure there is sufficient safety. There are police officers in uniform, others in plain clothes, and we have involved all security agencies,” he said, underlining the measures designed to safeguard the electoral process.
In Mbeere North, IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan, along with other commissioners, convened talks with local security agencies at the constituency offices.
The meetings followed claims by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who warned that opposition supporters could mobilise troublemakers to disrupt polling day. Officials said relevant security units have been engaged to ensure calm and order during voting.
Magarini constituency has also seen significant security preparations.
Returning Officer Joseph Mwofondo confirmed that each polling station will have two police officers, while over 50 officers, including the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), will guard the tallying centre.
Mwofondo also addressed concerns about voters photographing ballots, cautioning that such acts will not be tolerated.
He said some politicians were reportedly offering rewards to voters who took photos of their votes.
“We have instructed all those who will oversee the polling stations that no one will be allowed to enter the voting area with a phone or to take a photo of the ballot paper. If anyone is found doing so, action will be taken,” he said, adding that presiding officers have been instructed to enforce the rule strictly.
The IEBC highlighted that these security measures are part of a broader effort to guarantee transparency, prevent intimidation, and maintain confidence in the by-election process.
Authorities insist that with all precautions in place, citizens can exercise their voting rights freely and without fear, while ensuring that the elections proceed smoothly.
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