Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and security agencies to ensure the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election is conducted peacefully and transparently, saying public confidence in the outcome will depend on whether the electoral process remains free, fair and credible.
Speaking during a local media interview on Thursday as residents cast their votes across the constituency, Maanzo said the priority should be to provide adequate security so that every eligible voter can participate without fear, intimidation or disruption. He said police officers deployed during the exercise have a duty to protect both voters and the integrity of the election by enforcing the law impartially.
"There is not going to be interference, and first and foremost, there should be security," Maanzo said, adding that officers deployed during the election period have a responsibility to protect both voters and the integrity of the process.
The senator noted that security officers assigned to the by-election are expected to carry out their responsibilities under the authority of the electoral commission for the duration of the poll, and should therefore remain neutral throughout the exercise.
"The police officers deployed in Ol Kalou today are deemed to be election officers, and therefore they are under the command of IEBC, and should be able to be free and fair."
Maanzo also appealed to residents of Ol Kalou to come out in large numbers and exercise their democratic right to vote, saying concerns raised during the campaign period made it even more important for security agencies to reassure the public that the election would be conducted peacefully.
Furthermore, Maanzo claimed there had been incidents during the campaigns where individuals were attacked by suspected organised groups, warning that such cases could discourage voter participation if security concerns are not addressed.
"We want the people first of all to feel safe, to know that security has been provided, to come out in large numbers without fear."
He described the by-election as one that carries political importance beyond Ol Kalou, saying its outcome will be closely watched by leaders and other stakeholders across the country because of its wider political implications.
The senator urged the IEBC to take full charge of the electoral process and ensure all candidates are given a fair and equal opportunity to compete.
He also noted that the by-election has attracted election observers and other interested stakeholders keen on ensuring the process remains transparent and reflects the will of the voters.
The Ol Kalou parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of area MP David Njuguna Kiaraho on March 29, 2026, ending more than a decade of his representation of the constituency.
Kiaraho was first elected in 2013 on a TNA ticket before successfully defending the seat under the Jubilee Party in both the 2017 and 2022 General Elections, serving three consecutive terms.
The IEBC cleared nine candidates to contest the seat, with the race largely seen as a contest between United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Ngotho.
The ballot also features Wilson Kigwa of Jubilee, Rachel Wangui Njoroge of the People's Democratic Party, Stephen Wanyoike Waithaka of the National Liberal Party, Edwin Kariiri Muchiri of PNU, independent candidate Edward Mathenge, alongside two other candidates representing smaller political parties and independent interests.
The contest is widely seen as an early measure of political strength in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Maanzo's remarks came as voting continued across polling stations in Ol Kalou under the supervision of the IEBC, with the by-election drawing national attention amid renewed calls for a peaceful, transparent and credible electoral process.