Preparations for the Wajir West by-election on Thursday has been finalised, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati has said.

Is there a story unfolding in your community? Let Hivisasa know

Chebukati says that polling materials for the by-election have been distributed to all the 75 polling centres in the constituency.

In a live interview on KTN News on Wednesday, the IEBC boss said polling centres will open by 6 am and a close at 5 pm on Thursday.

Chebukati also said that adequate security officers have been deployed across the polling centres.

“All preparations for the by-election are complete and we expect registered voters to turn out to exercise their democratic right on Thursday,” the IEBC boss said.

According to Chebukati, Wajir West has 27, 544 registered voters distributed in 75 polling centres.

Chebukati said that they expect 100 per cent turnout in the mini-poll and asked candidates and voters to observe election regulations.

Two candidates, Ahmed Kolosh (Jubilee Party) and Ibrahim Sheikh (KANU) are battling for the seat.

Kolosh ditched the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party and joined Jubilee Party after his election was nullified over irregularities.

The former MP says his decision to ditch ODM was personal and for the interest of Wajir West people.

Kolosh has been touted as the favourite to clinch the by-election.

Sheikh on the other hand successfully petitioned Kolosh 2017 victory that Saw Supreme Court nullify it. 

The KANU candidate enjoys massive grassroot support and conducted intensive door-to-door campaigns.

Both candidates have exuded the confidence of winning the by-election.