The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned voters in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election against photographing their marked ballot papers, saying offenders could face a fine of up to Ksh1 million or a jail term of up to three years.
The warning comes ahead of Thursday’s by-election, with voting set to begin at 8am as security agencies and election officials step up preparations amid increased political activity around the mini-poll.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon reminded voters that mobile phones are prohibited inside polling booths and urged them to uphold the secrecy of the ballot.
“The use of mobile phones in polling stations is prohibited. Given previous elections conducted in other electoral areas, there were cases where individuals took photographs of their ballot papers after voting and circulated them online,” Ethekon said.
He cautioned Ol Kalou residents against taking pictures of their marked ballots or displaying their choices after voting, saying secret voting is a key requirement of Kenya’s electoral system.
“Please do not take pictures of your ballot paper after selecting your preferred candidate because the secrecy of the vote requires that it remains secret,” he stated.
According to the IEBC, taking a photograph of a marked ballot paper is an offence under the Elections Act and attracts serious penalties.
Ethekon said anyone found guilty could be fined up to Ksh1 million or sentenced to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years.
The commission said the warning follows previous cases where voters shared images of marked ballots online, raising concerns about voter intimidation, bribery and interference with the integrity of elections.
The caution comes as authorities intensify security measures ahead of the Ol Kalou by-election. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen recently directed increased police deployments in areas considered election security hotspots.
Murkomen also warned that individuals involved in political violence, intimidation or the mobilisation of criminal groups would face legal action.
The measures follow concerns over rising political tensions in parts of the country, with authorities seeking to ensure a peaceful and credible voting process during the Ol Kalou mini-poll.