The streets of Ol Kalou town erupted in celebration on Thursday night as vote counting got underway in what has turned out to be one of the most watched parliamentary by-elections in recent times.
Long before the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission had made any official announcement, crowds of jubilant residents had already gathered outside the constituency tallying centre, their voices ringing out into the night as they sang, danced, and waved in the air with infectious energy.
Groups of supporters gathered in different corners of the town, chanting "Si uchawi, ni maombi" a phrase that had become the unofficial anthem of the election.
The chant, which translates to "It is not witchcraft, it is prayer," seemed to capture the spirit of hope and belief that filled the air as the night wore on.
For many of those gathered, the outcome was already decided in their minds, and they were simply waiting for the formal confirmation that they believed was coming.
The mood was festive and hopeful. One resident told us that they intended to keep the celebrations going right through the night, unwilling to leave the tallying centre until they heard the official declaration from the electoral commission.
"We are happy with how the election has gone. We believe our candidate has won and we will continue celebrating until morning as we wait for the official announcement," the enthusiastic supporter said, summing up the sentiment of many others gathered there.
The confidence among residents was not without reason. Many said they had received information from their polling agents stationed at various voting centres throughout the day, and they were optimistic about what those reports showed.
The results that had been announced at individual polling stations had painted a picture they liked, and that was enough to keep spirits high and voices loud as the night deepened.
By mid-afternoon on voting day, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission reported that voter turnout had reached 50.78 percent, a respectable showing that suggested genuine public interest in the contest.
The by-election had attracted national attention, bringing observers and media from across the country to the quiet Rift Valley town.
Throughout most of the day, the voting process had gone smoothly and peacefully, though there were reports of some isolated incidents of violence in certain parts of Ol Kalou town that drew swift condemnation from both the electoral commission and security agencies.
As the night progressed and counting continued at the tallying centre, the atmosphere remained tense but controlled.
The police had stepped up security around the centre, restricting access to only accredited election officials, candidates' agents, observers, and members of the media.
The heightened security presence was a measure to ensure that the counting process remained credible and transparent, and to maintain order as emotions ran high among supporters waiting outside.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission was careful to remind all parties involved that they were the only ones with the legal mandate to verify, collate, and announce the final constituency results.
The commission had stated clearly that under electoral procedures, results announced at polling stations are transmitted to the constituency tallying centre where they are verified before the winner is officially declared.
Until that formal announcement came through, they maintained, no winner could be considered confirmed.
Despite this official position, the celebrations continued unabated. For the residents of Ol Kalou, the night belonged to hope and optimism, to the belief that their preferred candidates would emerge victorious.
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