Orengo urges Kenyans to guard votes in 2027, says he's tired of court battles

‎Siaya Governor James Orengo has urged Kenyans to remain at polling stations after casting their votes in the 2027 General Election to safeguard the electoral process, saying he is tired of challenging election results in court.

‎Speaking in Taita Taveta County, Orengo told voters to keep watch over the voting process until polling closes, arguing that citizens have a responsibility to protect the integrity of their votes.

‎"August 10 ukishapiga kura, kaa nje ukichunga kura... Mimi nimechoka sana na kuenda kortini," Orengo said.

‎His remarks are likely to reignite debate over voter conduct on election day, as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has consistently advised voters to leave polling stations after casting their ballots and wait for the official declaration of results.

‎During the recent by-election in Ol Kalou, IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon repeatedly urged voters to vote peacefully and return home, saying only authorised election officials, agents, observers and accredited personnel should remain within polling stations to facilitate the voting and counting process.

‎He pointed out that in the last by-election, the Commission observed that there are some Kenyans who behave like super agents around polling stations.

‎The commission has maintained that election results are protected by law and that its procedures provide sufficient safeguards to ensure transparency and accountability.

‎Orengo, a veteran lawyer who has represented several election petitions over the years, said his experience in post-election litigation had convinced him that citizens must play a more active role in protecting the electoral process.

‎The county boss also used the meeting to rally support for the Linda Mwananchi movement, describing it as the political vehicle carrying forward the ideals of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

‎"Chama cha Linda Mwananchi ni chama ya Raila Amolo Odinga na simba ya Raila ni Sifuna, Babu Owino, Osotsi, Caroli Omondi... hawa ndiyo wamechukua usukani," he said.

‎His remarks come amid political realignments within the opposition as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.

‎The call for voters to remain near polling stations contrasts with the electoral commission's long-standing public advisory aimed at preventing overcrowding, maintaining order and allowing election officials to conduct the exercise without disruption.

‎Under IEBC guidelines, voters are expected to cast their ballots and leave polling stations unless they are accredited election agents, observers or officials.

‎"We shall not allow anybody roaming around polling stations. The message is clear: maintain law and order while ensuring every voter can cast their ballot peacefully," Ethekon said last Wednesday ahead of the Ol Kalou by-election.

‎The electoral agency has maintained that the tallying and declaration of results follow laid-down legal procedures and has urged political leaders to encourage compliance with election regulations to ensure peaceful polls.

‎The 2027 General Election is expected to be closely contested, with political parties intensifying mobilisation efforts across the country while the IEBC continues preparations for the nationwide vote.