IEBC Materials Destroyed in Chuka
Members of the public destroyed IEBC materials on Monday in Chuka, Tharaka Nithi county.
The materials were being transported to polling stations in the sub-county of Igambang’ombe.
This comes less than 24 hours before Kenyans are expected to vote for the next government in general elections.
Obtained images of destroyed materials showed papers and security seals scattered on the ground.
It is unclear what prompted the material destruction.
By the time this story went to press, the IEBC had yet to issue a statement on the incident. We guarantee that we will respond as soon as they do.
However, Tharaka Nithi IEBC returning officer Mohammed Raka told the media on Monday that there had been a mix-up in the distribution of ballot papers in the area.
“There has been a mix-up where ballot papers for Fafi ward have been found in Chuka. We have informed our Nairobi officer and they are addressing the matter,” he said.
Raka revealed that the correct ballot papers would be flown to Chuka by helicopter and the correct ones would be sent to Garissa.
“So far this is the only incident that has been reported countrywide and it is being sorted right away,” he added.
Donatha Chali, Police Commander Tharaka Nithi, has stated that the IEBC materials will be investigated.
She revealed that the IEBC had briefed the police on the situation as well as the confusion of ballot papers.
“We have been explained the situation by the election manager Mohammed Raka. But as the police we will investigate the matter we know what has happened,” Chali added.
On Monday, the IEBC began distributing election materials to polling stations.
Voters are expected to begin casting ballots at 6 a.m. on Tuesday. The exercise will be completed at 5 p.m.
