Security forces have locked down Garbatulla High School as sibling rivals clash in a high-stakes Isiolo South parliamentary by-election following the death of their father.

The atmosphere in Isiolo South is electric and highly guarded. Security forces have erected a formidable perimeter around Garbatulla High School, bracing for the climax of an intensely personal political showdown.

This by-election is not merely a local administrative exercise; it is a deeply poignant family drama and a critical test of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission's logistical readiness. Following the demise of Mohamed Tubi Bidu, his children are locked in a proxy war that mirrors the broader national political divide, raising the stakes exponentially.

A Family Feud on the Ballot

The political landscape in Isiolo South has been completely dominated by the unprecedented sibling rivalry. Tubi Mohammed, representing the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), is squaring off directly against his sister, Bina Tubi, who is flying the Jubilee party flag. The seat fell tragically vacant following the death of their father, former area lawmaker Mohamed Tubi Bidu, in November of last year. This familial clash has divided local clans, elders, and youth groups, turning the constituency into a tense political battleground. On Wednesday morning, both candidates were present to witness officials from the IEBC break the seals of the ballot boxes, a moment of high drama and strict procedural observation.

• Tallying center located at the heavily guarded Garbatulla High School.
• Polling stations strictly operational from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm East Africa Time (EAT).
• Siblings Tubi Mohammed (UDA) and Bina Tubi (Jubilee) are the primary contenders.
• KIEMS kits successfully tested and deployed for voter identification.

The emotional weight of replacing their father has added a complex layer to the campaign rhetoric. Both siblings claim to be the legitimate inheritors of their father's political vision, yet they are backed by fiercely opposing national coalitions. This local proxy war between the ruling UDA and the opposition-aligned Jubilee has drawn massive attention, necessitating the heightened security deployment to prevent any outbreak of clan-based violence or electoral malfeasance.

IEBC Logistical Readiness

Amidst the political tension, the IEBC has worked tirelessly to assure the public of its absolute preparedness. IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon issued a comprehensive statement detailing the critical milestones achieved. The procurement of all sensitive election materials has been finalized, and the gazettement of nominated candidates, polling stations, and tallying centers is complete. Furthermore, the commission has successfully serviced, tested, and configured the Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits. These biometric devices are crucial for identifying eligible voters in the certified register, ensuring that the voting process is transparent and resistant to fraud.

The commission has also confirmed that the Register of Voters has been openly displayed at each polling station for public verification, a crucial step in building trust. Any delays in opening the polling stations due to unforeseen logistical hurdles will be strictly compensated, ensuring that every registered voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot. This meticulous planning is essential in a region where logistical challenges are notoriously common.

Security and Electoral Integrity

The deployment of elite security units around Garbatulla High School underscores the government's commitment to maintaining law and order. The tallying center is traditionally the most volatile location during an election, where tensions boil over as results trickle in. Police commanders have assured residents that highly mobile patrol units will monitor the entire constituency, guaranteeing a safe environment for citizens to exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation. The integrity of this by-election is paramount, as it serves as a microcosm of the national political temperature.

"We are fully prepared to deliver a free, fair, and credible election; the security of the vote and the voters is absolutely guaranteed," an IEBC returning officer affirmed.