IEBC officials reportedly became overwhelmed at several polling stations on Thursday as voters openly ignored the crucial ban on smartphones, forcing staff to physically escort people out to ensure rules were followed.
The widespread defiance created a tense atmosphere and led to significant delays in the voting process.
Voters in a number of polling centres were seen directly defying the directive, with many successfully walking into voting booths while still carrying their devices.
This occurred despite officials repeatedly issuing warnings that the rule was in place to protect the secrecy and integrity of every ballot cast.
Presiding officers at the affected stations reported having to handle multiple cases where individuals had to be removed from the queues.
They said their staff had to escort the voters out and specifically ask them to surrender their phones before being allowed to return and cast their ballots. However, with long queues and limited staff, enforcing the rule consistently proved incredibly difficult.
Observers present at one station noted that the failure to enforce the smartphone ban worsened an already tense situation, particularly after a separate incident sparked fears of vote-rigging.
They raised concerns that phones could be used to take photos or videos inside the booth, potentially to coordinate malpractice.
Election monitors have expressed serious concern that the combination of the smartphone violations and the alleged irregularities could damage the public’s trust in the electoral process.
One observer stated plainly, “Even the perception of malpractice—even before any investigation is concluded—can damage trust.”
The IEBC is now expected to provide a formal statement addressing the widespread breaches of the smartphone rule and the other reported issues.
In the meantime, security agencies have been called upon to tighten their oversight at polling stations to prevent further disruptions.
By Kenyans