Strengthening Preparedness for the Baringo Senate By-Election

As part of our preparations for the Baringo Senate 27th Nov Byelections, I joined the Chief Agents for a crucial briefing convened by the County Returning Officer (CRO) and County Election Manager (CEM), Mr. John Mwangi. The session provided an important opportunity to equip all chief agents with the knowledge, procedures and skills necessary to execute their duties effectively, while addressing emerging issues related to the conduct of the by-election.

I began by congratulating the CRO and the entire IEBC team in Baringo County for the exemplary work they have done in preparing for this by-election. I reminded the agents of their legal definition under the Elections Act, 2011—as persons appointed by political parties or independent candidates to represent their interests during elections.

I emphasized that the role of an agent demands integrity, loyalty, teamwork, patience, respect and thorough record-keeping. Agents must maintain detailed diaries documenting all activities at polling or tallying centers. I reiterated that results announced at polling stations are final and any concerns should be raised with patience, respect and decorum, in accordance with electoral procedures.

During the session, Beatrice Muli, our Trainer of Trainers (ToT), took the agents through their specific responsibilities at tallying centres. She reminded them to remain alert, understand procedures clearly, and report any issues to the CRO promptly and respectfully. Among their duties are:

* Collecting accurate information for their candidates
* Verifying that ballot boxes are empty before the start of polling
* Witnessing the opening of polling stations
* Attaching party seals and recording seal serial numbers
* Monitoring polling and counting
* Signing statutory forms
* Photographing completed election result forms

She further clarified what agents must not do: they should not interfere with voting, challenge the authority of polling officials, enter stations without official IEBC accreditation, attempt to influence voters, disclose how any voter has voted, or wear party/candidate emblems inside the polling station.

The CRO, Mr. John Mwangi, thanked all candidates for conducting peaceful campaigns and urged agents to cooperate fully on polling day. He underscored the vital role they play in ensuring transparency and accuracy in the electoral process, noting that their professionalism would contribute greatly to a credible and peaceful by-election. He reminded them that letters of appointment, national ID, and the oath of secrecy remain mandatory and essential for identification. He concluded by outlining the results path and clarifying expectations at every stage.

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