IEBC Issues Voter Advisory Ahead of Ol Kalou By-Election Scheduled for July 16
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has reminded voters participating in the Ol Kalou by-election 2026 that they must present an original identification document before being allowed to cast their ballots on Thursday, July 16.
With the constituency preparing for one of Kenya’s most closely watched by-elections this year, the electoral agency urged all eligible voters to ensure they carry either their original national identity card or a valid Kenyan passport when reporting to their designated polling stations.
“To vote, you MUST PRESENT YOUR ORIGINAL NATIONAL IDENTITY CARD or a VALID KENYAN PASSPORT at your designated polling station,” the IEBC stated.
According to the commission, Ol Kalou Constituency has 73,480 registered voters, who will vote across 144 polling stations spread throughout the constituency’s five wards.
Rurii Ward has the largest number of polling stations at 33, followed by Kanjuiri Ridge with 32.
Karau and Kaimbaga wards each have 27 polling stations, while Mirangine Ward has 25.
The IEBC said the constituency tallying centre will be based at Ol Kalou Secondary School Hall, where results from all 144 polling stations will be received, verified and compiled before the official constituency result is declared.
The commission also urged voters, candidates and other stakeholders to obtain election information only from its official website and verified social media platforms to avoid misinformation during the electoral process.
The latest voter register represents an increase from the 72,997 registered voters recorded during the 2022 General Election, with the constituency now having 483 additional voters.
High-stakes political contest
The by-election will determine who succeeds the late David Kiaraho, who represented Ol Kalou Constituency in Parliament from 2013 until his death.
Kiaraho won a third term during the 2022 General Election after securing 24,058 votes, defeating Sammy Kamau Ngotho, then a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, who received 19,380 votes.
Ngotho has returned to the ballot, this time vying under the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) banner, hoping to convert his previous support into victory.
Meanwhile, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has nominated Samuel Muchina Nyagah, setting up a high-profile contest between President William Ruto’s party and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP.
Political observers are closely watching the race, which is widely viewed as an early test of political influence in Nyandarua County and the wider Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
With only four days remaining before polling day, campaigns are entering their final stretch as attention shifts towards voter mobilisation, election security and each candidate’s ability to turn political support into votes on July 16.
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