The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Mbeere North Returning Officer, John Kinyua, has responded to remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who recently asked his supporters not to leave polling stations after voting.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the constituency offices, Kinyua urged voters to leave immediately after casting their ballots, stating that the law requires voters to vacate polling stations once they have voted.
He assured residents that the byelection would be conducted transparently and in accordance with electoral regulations.
“IEBC, we are ready to conduct free and fair byelections, and I wish to ask our voters when you cast your vote, accept to leave the polling stations, since that is the requirement of the law so that we can be able to conduct our work,” Kinyua said.
Gachagua had earlier encouraged his supporter particularly young voters to stay at polling stations after voting and monitor the process for any irregularities.
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He urged them to document and share any suspicious activity observed on election day.
IEBC CEO Hussein Marjan Hussein, who was present during the briefing, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to delivering credible elections.
He noted that the process would involve collaboration with multiple sectors, including the media and election observers.
Marjan also outlined the security measures in place for Mbeere North, a region identified as a high-tension area.
Two police officers have been deployed to each polling station, and over 40 officers will secure the tallying centre, which will be cordoned off.
Additional patrol teams have been mobilized, with similar arrangements implemented across the other 22 byelection zones.
