Nairobi is witnessing the counting of votes across 22 electoral areas that participated in Thursday’s by-elections, following a day marked by sporadic violence and heightened political tension. The voting process officially came to a close at 5:00 PM, and tallying has commenced in constituency and ward tallying centers under the supervision of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), party agents, observers, and security personnel.

Although voting was largely peaceful in several regions, isolated incidents of violence were reported throughout the day, including confrontations between rival supporters, attacks on party agents, and attempts to disrupt polling stations. Notably, Kasipul, Malava, and Kabuchai experienced significant disturbances, prompting security teams to intervene and restore order. In Kasipul, 17 youths were arrested for patrolling with crude weapons, including machetes, while police are still tracking a separate group believed to be in possession of a stolen firearm.

The IEBC has dismissed online claims of ballot stuffing, citing the robust security measures in place, including monitoring systems and the presence of observers, which render such allegations unfounded. The Commission is urging citizens to rely on verified information and avoid content aimed at undermining the credibility of the electoral process. Authorities are working closely with security agencies to maintain calm as vote counting continues and to take action against individuals attempting to disrupt the process.

Results from the 22 electoral areas are expected to be announced progressively throughout the night. The electoral commission’s efforts to ensure the integrity of the process and maintain public trust are crucial in this context. As the vote counting continues, the authorities’ ability to maintain order and prevent further violence will be closely watched. The outcome of these by-elections is significant, and the international community is following the developments with interest. With the counting process underway, Kenyans and the world await the official results, which will have implications for the country’s political landscape.