The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a firm warning to voters ahead of Thursday’s by-elections, cautioning against taking photos or recording videos inside polling booths.
The agency stressed that the secrecy of the ballot must be upheld at all times, reminding voters that any form of photography or video recording within the polling booth is strictly prohibited in a public notice seen by Tukio.
“The secrecy and sanctity of the vote must be preserved at all times, and voters are strictly prohibited from taking photos or recording videos inside the polling booth,” the commission said.
IEBC anchored its directive on Section 7(3)(e) of the Election Offences Act, 2016, which outlaws the capturing of images of marked ballot papers without lawful justification, particularly where it is done for financial gain or to demonstrate political allegiance.
“Any person who captures an image of a marked ballot without lawful excuse commits an election offence and risks a fine of up to Sh1 million, a jail term of up to three years, or both,” the commission warned.
The advisory comes as the country heads into a fresh round of by-elections, with authorities keen to safeguard credibility and voter confidence in the electoral process.
On Thursday, May 14 There are several by-elections scheduled to take place in different parts of the country after elective positions fell vacant.
Among the contested areas are Emurua Dikirr Constituency in Narok County, Porro Ward in Samburu County, and Endo Ward in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
In past elections, isolated cases of voters sharing images of their marked ballots online have raised concerns over voter bribery, intimidation and undue influence.
IEBC says enforcement teams will be deployed across polling stations to ensure compliance, even as it clarifies that photography may be allowed in designated public areas within polling centres—but not inside the polling booth.
The commission is now urging voters to familiarise themselves with the rules before heading to the ballot, warning that strict action will be taken against anyone found violating electoral laws.