Residents of Ol Kalou Constituency are casting their votes today, July 16, 2026, in a closely watched parliamentary by-election that has drawn significant political attention from across the country.
The exercise is taking place under heavy security, with police officers deployed across different parts of the constituency to maintain order and ensure a peaceful voting process.
Reports from the area indicate a noticeable police presence at major roads, trading centres, and polling stations. Security measures were strengthened ahead of the election due to concerns about possible unrest, especially given the constituency’s history of election-related tensions in previous years.
According to reports, more than 1,000 police officers, including specialised security units, have been deployed throughout the constituency.
Authorities say the officers are on the ground to protect voters, election officials, and election materials while helping to prevent any incidents that could interfere with the voting process.
The by-election has also affected learning in several schools across the constituency. Many public schools are being used as polling centres, forcing normal classroom activities to be suspended for the day.
Learners and teachers in the affected institutions will resume their regular activities after the voting exercise is completed and election materials are cleared from the premises.
Voting officially began at 6 a.m. and is expected to continue until 5 p.m. Electoral officials have been urging residents to turn out in large numbers and exercise their democratic right peacefully.
Early reports from several polling stations showed voters arriving in the morning to beat long queues and participate in choosing their next representative.
The contest has attracted national interest because it is widely viewed as a test of political strength between two major camps.
The race is largely being seen as a battle between candidates backed by the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), which is associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Political observers are closely monitoring the outcome, with many viewing the election as an indication of the current political mood in the Mt Kenya region.
The results are expected to provide insight into voter preferences ahead of future political contests.
As voting continues throughout the day, residents are hoping for a peaceful process that reflects the will of the people and allows the constituency to elect its new Member of Parliament without disruption.
