The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has confirmed that voters will not be allowed to enter voting booths with mobile phones during Thursday’s by-elections.
IEBC Commissioner Moses Mukhwana said voters in Isiolo South, as well as participants in other ward-level by-elections, will be required to surrender their phones to IEBC officials before casting their votes.
He noted that the devices will be securely stored to ensure compliance with Article 38, Section 3B of the Constitution, which guarantees the secrecy of the ballot.
Commissioner Mukhwana explained that the measure follows incidents during the 27 November 2025 by-elections, where some voters photographed their ballot papers after voting and shared the images on social media.
“The Constitution guarantees secrecy of the ballot; that is why we have the voting booth. Unfortunately, in recent by-elections, some Kenyans entered the booths with their phones and took pictures of their ballots. This violates both the Constitution and the Elections Act. Administratively, we will put measures in place to prevent voters from bringing phones into the booths,” Mukhwana stated.
He added that IEBC officials will implement administrative controls to ensure the by-elections are free, fair, and credible.
Commissioner Mukhwana also expressed concern over low voter turnout, citing the ongoing drought and the observance of the Holy month of Ramadan by Muslims.
The by-elections cover the Member of the National Assembly for Isiolo South Constituency in Isiolo County; the Member of the County Assembly for West Kabras Ward in Malava Constituency, Kakamega County; and the Members of the County Assembly for Muminji Ward and Evurore Ward in Mbeere North Constituency, Embu County.
