Tens of voters arrived at their polling stations in the Ol Kalou constituency on Thursday for the by-election amidst claims of bribery.
In Ol Kalou town, groups of youths went around blowing vuvuzelas to wake up voters from 4 am onwards. By 5 am, locals had made their way to the 144 polling stations in the constituency, an hour before the official opening time.
Groups of youths went around mobilising voters, while others remained at the polling station gates to ensure that nobody entered the stations in vehicles.
Ol Kalou by-election: Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi denied entry to polling station
Shortly after 6 am, Mathira Member of Parliament Eric Wamumbi was the first casualty when he was barred from entering the Huruma polling station in his car.
His vehicle was turned away at the entrance, a measure that was replicated at other polling stations, where vehicles were not permitted.
Ol Kalou by-election: A cyclist pedals to Silanga Polling Station
Long queues formed by 7 am, indicating an expected high voter turnout compared with recent by-elections in the region.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Constituency Returning Officer Anthony Njiraini said that the process was running smoothly and that all polling stations had received voting materials on time.
UDA candidate Muchina Nyaga votes at the Huruma polling station on July 16, 2026.
Photo credit: Waikwa Maina | Nation
UDA candidate Muchina Nyaga cast his vote at Huruma polling station and said that he would concede defeat if he was beaten fairly in the poll.
"There has been a lot of intimidation and voter bribery within polling stations. We have made a complaint to the IEBC and are expecting action to be taken," Mr Nyaga said.
He also complained that his vehicle had been set on fire the previous night while he was transporting agents to various polling stations.
