•The materials were being taken to polling stations in the Igambang'ombe sub-county.
•It is not yet clear what provoked the destruction of materials.
Image: MARTIN OMBIMA
IEBC materials were on Monday destroyed in Chuka, Tharaka Nithi county, by members of the public.
The materials were being transported to polling stations in the Igambang'ombe sub-county.
This comes less than 24 hours before the General elections where Kenyans are expected to vote for the next government.
Pictures of destroyed materials seen by the Star showed papers and security seals spread on the ground.
It is not yet clear what provoked the destruction of materials.
The IEBC was yet to issue a statement on the incident by the time of going to the press. We commit to giving their response as soon as they do.
However, Tharaka Nithi IEBC returning officer Mohammed Raka on Monday briefed the media saying there was 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 right ballot papers would be brought to the Chuka by a chopper and the right ones will 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 said they will investigate the destruction of the IEBC materials.
She revealed that the police had been briefed by IEBC on the matter and also on 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.
IEBC began the distribution of election materials to polling stations on Monday.
Voters are expected to start casting their votes on Tuesday at 6 am. The exercise will end at 5 pm.