The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) said voter turnout in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election reached 38.2 per cent by 1:00 p.m., as it assured Kenyans that voting had largely proceeded smoothly despite isolated disruptions reported during the day.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the electoral agency said most polling stations opened on schedule at 6:00 a.m., allowing voters to cast their ballots as planned.
"We appreciate Kenyans who woke up early in the morning, braving the chilly weather to queue at the various polling stations hours before opening," the commission said.
IEBC noted that where polling was delayed or temporarily interrupted, presiding officers would extend voting hours to compensate for the lost time and ensure no voter was denied an opportunity to cast a ballot.
"In polling stations where unexpected delay in opening or interruption in voting is experienced at a polling station, the Presiding Officer shall extend the hours of polling by the amount of time lost," the statement said.
The commission also praised voters, election officials and security personnel for maintaining order during the exercise.
"We commend the citizens, poll officials and security agencies for their professionalism, cooperation and commitment to maintaining peace and order throughout the polling process," IEBC said.
According to the commission, the Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) kits were operating as expected, enabling officials to accurately identify eligible voters listed in the certified register.
"All eligible voters in the certified Register of Voters are being accurately identified using the Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) kits," the statement added.
IEBC said the vote counting process would begin immediately after polling closed at 5 pm, with presiding officers opening ballot boxes and counting votes at polling stations in full view of agents, observers and the media.
"After the close of polling at 5:00 P.M, the Presiding Officer - in full view of agents, observers, and the media - will open the ballot box, count the ballots and tabulate the results at the polling station in an open and transparent process," the commission stated.
It added that party agents would be allowed to photograph official results forms, while copies of the signed forms would be displayed publicly before constituency returning officers verify, collate and declare the final results.
The commission further said only accredited persons would be allowed into tallying centres and urged political leaders to cooperate with election officials throughout the tallying process.
"Only accredited persons with identification and badges are allowed to access the centers and observe the tallying and declaration of results," IEBC said.
The commission also advised candidates and their supporters to resolve any disputes through the courts instead of taking actions that could undermine the electoral process. It added that members of the public would be able to follow the by-election results through the commission's online results portal.
As voting entered its final hours, IEBC appealed to political parties, candidates, agents, the media and voters to uphold peace and respect the law during and after the election.
"The Commission calls upon all stakeholders, political parties, candidates, agents, the media, and voters to respect the law, uphold peace during and after polling, and refrain from any actions that may compromise the secrecy or integrity of the vote," the statement said.
The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election attracted nine candidates and came amid heightened political interest. Although the commission described the voting process as largely orderly, parts of Ol Kalou Town witnessed violence after masked armed men disrupted activities at AC Primary School polling station, where journalists were also assaulted while covering the exercise.