Machakos IEBC Returning Officer (RO) Alice Kamau addressing Journalists at Machakos Girls High School. Photo by Ryan Mumo. 
By Ryan Mumo
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has affirmed its full preparedness ahead of Thursday’s Mumbuni North Ward by-election in Machakos County.
Returning Officer (RO) Alice Kamau said the commission had completed all logistical arrangements, including the deployment of both strategic and non-strategic materials, to ensure a smooth and credible voting exercise.
“We are very ready for the by-election as a commission,” Ms. Kamau told journalists on Wednesday outside the tallying centre at Mumbuni Girls High School. This followed her supervision of the opening of the pallet box containing the ballot papers.
According to the RO, voting will take place in 25 polling stations across the ward, where 13,778 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots. Polls will open at 6:00am and close at 5:00pm, with voters still in the queue at closing time allowed to exercise their democratic right.
Ms. Kamau noted that the campaign period had remained peaceful and urged residents to turn out in large numbers to elect the leader of their choice.
She also dismissed claims of voter bribery circulating within the ward, terming them mere rumours. “I have not received any official complaint on my desk as is the normal procedure,” she said.
However, the RO cautioned residents against surrendering their national identity cards to any individuals, warning that doing so could lock them out of the voting process.
The by-election is expected to attract keen interest as voters seek to fill the vacant seat in Mumbuni North Ward.
