The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has suspended gubernatorial elections in Kakamega and Mombasa counties over ballot papers mix-up.
Additionally, parliamentary elections in Pokot South and Kacheliba constituency have also been suspended until further notice.
Speaking during a press conference at the Bomas of Kenya, the electoral body’s chairman Wafula Chebukati stated that poll dates will be announced through a gazette notice.
“As a result, elections for the respective positions have been suspended to a later date that shall be announced through a gazette notice,” Chebukati stated.
“Ballot papers for Mombasa governor position have wrong gubernatorial candidates’ pictures and their images printed on them. Ballot papers for Kacheliba constituency have wrong member of National Assembly candidates’ pictures and their images printed on them,” he added.
Chebukati also said ballot papers for five constituencies were wrongly routed to Chuka Ingambeng’ombe in Tharaka Nithi county.
He said county assembly ballot papers for Mua ward in Machakos county were erroneously sent to Kuresoi constituency in Nakuru county.
Ballots for Tiaty women representative in Baringo county were also sent to Lamu county.
“The commission has since rerouted the ballot paper pellets to the right places using air transport contracted to facilitate such emergencies,” he said.
In Kakamega county, the ballot papers were discovered in Mumias East sub-county, which was attributed to a mix-up in the distribution of voting papers.
“Yes it’s true that the ballot papers for Kirinyaga county were found in Mumias East. We will however issue a comprehensive statement later in the day, I hope this problem will be sorted out very soon so that we can have what belongs to us,” said the area returning officer, Joseph Ayatta.
Ballot papers from Kilifi county were discovered in Mombasa county.