By KPC Reporter
As Kenyans head to the polls for the May 14th by-elections, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a stern reminder: do not take photos or record videos inside the polling booth.
The commission says the rule is not just about order—it’s about protecting the secrecy and sanctity of the vote.
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“Your vote is your future, and it must remain private,” an IEBC official emphasized during the public notice campaign.
Under Section 7(3)(e) of the Election Offences Act, No. 37 of 2016, anyone who captures an image of a marked ballot for financial gain or to show allegiance commits an offence.
The penalties are steep: a fine of up to KSh 1 million, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
“Photography and video recording are strictly prohibited in the polling booth. Doing so undermines the secrecy of the ballot,” the IEBC statement read.
For many voters, the warning is a wake-up call in an era where smartphones are ever-present. “Sometimes people forget that snapping a quick photo can have serious consequences,” said one Nairobi resident outside a polling station.
“It’s not just about the law—it’s about trust in the electoral process.”
