Ol Kalou by-election: Police to impound cars without number plates

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Central Regional Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha said it was against the law to drive a car without plates.

"Kila mtu ajue ni hatia kuendesha gari ambalo halina number plates," Nkanatha said. "Maafisa wetu wakipata gari haina plates, hiyo gari itashikwa na iletwe kwa police station."

The police boss also said unauthorised persons would be required to stay at least 400 metres from any polling station to avoid security incidents.

"Polling station iwachiwe maafisa wa IEBC na wapiga kura. Hawa wageni wengine wakae mbali na polling station, a radius of 400 metres," he added.

His statement comes in the wake of claims that hooded and heavily armed men in unmarked cars were wreaking havoc in several areas where voters had gathered.

He also addressed a report by UDA candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah, who claimed one of his campaign vehicles was set ablaze overnight while transporting his party agents. Nkanatha said the candidate was yet to report the matter to the police.

The by-election was triggered by the death of longtime Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho, who died on March 29 after more than a decade representing the constituency. Kiaraho was first elected in 2013 and successfully defended the seat in the 2017 and 2022 General Elections.

Nine candidates cleared by the IEBC are on the ballot, but the contest has crystallised into a closely watched showdown between DCP's Sammy Kamau Ngotho, UDA's Samuel Muchina Nyagah and Jubilee Party's Wilson Kigwa.

Beyond the local stakes of roads, farming and healthcare, the vote is being framed nationally as a proxy battle between President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for influence over the Mt Kenya voting bloc ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The campaign period, which closed on Monday, was marked by aggressive voter mobilisation and allegations of voter bribery and misuse of state resources.