Voting is underway in the Emurua Dikirr parliamentary by-election, with 44,353 registered voters expected to turn out and elect a new Member of Parliament following the tragic death of former MP Johana Ngeno in a helicopter crash on February 28.
Voting progress
Polls opened at 6:00 am across all 94 polling stations, with election officials reporting a calm and orderly process throughout the morning.
Long queues were witnessed in many centres as enthusiastic voters turned out early.
Election officials reported a calm morning, with no incidents recorded across the polling centres by mid-morning.
Security remained tight as voters queued patiently to cast their ballots in the highly anticipated contest.
Cherotich Tembur of Tolvotinga, who voted at the Emurua Dikirr polling station, said, “I woke up very early to vote for a candidate who will bring real development – roads, education and jobs for our youth.”
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon had earlier confirmed that all logistical arrangements are complete, stating that any lost time at opening will be recovered at closing, and voters still in line by 5:00 pm will be allowed to cast their ballots.
Security Situation
The National Police Service has deployed at least two uniformed officers at every polling station, with additional officers stationed at the tallying centre at Emurua Dikirr Technical Training Institute.
Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr Abdi Hassan assured residents of adequate protection and warned of stern action against anyone attempting to disrupt the process.
Brief tension was reported at Emurua Dikirr Shopping Centre on Wednesday night as young men were seen moving in groups and wielding clubs. However, Thursday morning remained peaceful with no major incidents reported.
Emurua Dikirr constituency DCP chief agent Leonard Kirui has alleged that security agencies repulsed groups of youths who were attempting to prevent their supporters from voting in some parts of the constituency.
He made the remarks shortly after casting his vote at Ilkerin polling station, where he addressed the media on the ongoing electoral process.
Kirui noted that reports circulating on social media from some supporters claimed that their colleagues had been attacked by unknown youths during the voting exercise.
However, no police report has been provided by press time to support the claims made by Kirui
Candidates and Political Stakes
Five candidates are vying for the seat: David Keter (UDA), Vincent Rotich (DCP), Gideon Koech (NVP), Desmas Cherono (PNU), and Kenneth Kiprono (RLP).
The contest has drawn national attention as an early supremacy battle between President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua ahead of the 2027 general election. I
EBC Rules and Regulations
The IEBC reiterated strict voting regulations. Only one accredited agent per political party is permitted at each polling station, and unauthorised “super agents” are banned.
Voters are prohibited from photographing marked ballots – an offence carrying a fine of up to Sh1 million or three years’ imprisonment. State officers must vote only at their designated stations.
What to Expect Next
Polls close at 5:00 pm. Counting will begin immediately at each polling station in the presence of agents and observers, with results forms publicly displayed.
The Returning Officer will verify, collate, and announce constituency-level results at the tallying centre. Provisional results are expected later tonight.
