IEBC Issues Stern Warning Against Taking Photos In Polling Booths Ahead Of High-Stakes By-Elections

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a stern warning to the public against photographing or filming inside polling booths ahead of the upcoming by-elections. In an official notice released on Wednesday, May 13, the commission clarified that such actions constitute a serious election offence under Section 7(3)(e) of the Election Offences Act, No. 37 of 2016. The Act specifically prohibits any unauthorized individual from capturing images of a marked ballot, whether for financial gain or to demonstrate political allegiance. According to the IEBC, these strict measures are necessary to protect the secrecy and sanctity of the democratic process, with violators facing hefty penalties including fines of up to Ksh 1 million or imprisonment for a term of up to 3 years.

This warning comes just 24 hours before the May 14 by-elections, which are scheduled to take place in various parts of the country where elective positions have fallen vacant. While the polls will cover Porro Ward in Samburu and Endo Ward in Elgeyo Marakwet, national attention is largely concentrated on the Emurua Dikirr parliamentary seat in Narok County. The seat became vacant following the tragic death of the long-serving MP Johana Ng’eno, who perished in a helicopter crash in Nandi County on February 28. As voters head to the polls, the IEBC remains on high alert to ensure that the legal framework governing the conduct of voters is strictly adhered to.

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Anticipated By-Elections

The contest in Emurua Dikirr has evolved into a high-stakes political litmus test for the country’s major political players. It features a direct confrontation between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), which has fielded David Keter, and the newly formed Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The DCP candidate, Vincent Rotich, is seen as a significant challenger in a race that analysts believe will measure Gachagua’s growing influence within the Rift Valley. As a traditional stronghold for the UDA, the outcome in Emurua Dikirr will likely signal whether the political ground in the region is shifting or remaining firm behind the ruling administration.