The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) materials were today destroyed by residents in Chuka and Tharaka Nithi county.
The unknown residents ambushed a van transporting IEBC materials for tomorrow’s elections in Chuka/Igambang’ombe this morning.
The criminals shattered sealed boxes carrying ballot papers and IEBC official badges, distributing them over the area.
However, the IEBC is yet to issue a statement on the incident by that time.
IEBC has guaranteed Kenyans of its preparedness for tomorrow’s general election.
IEBC commissioner Boya Molu noted that all ballot papers have been received and dispatched to constituency tallying centres.
“All systems are set and we are ready to take off on Tuesday at 6am. We have ensured that all materials needed are in the 290 constituencies across the country and we are not waiting for any other materials,” he said.
The two presidential frontrunners, Azimio One Kenya candidate Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto, have spent the previous several weeks rallying their followers to vote in big numbers.
With opinion surveys showing a close contest between the two, voter turnout is expected to be critical in deciding a winner.
This year, the IEBC will spend approximately Sh1,800 per voter. This is significantly higher than what other African countries have spent on elections.
IEBC has previously defended the budget, claiming that it was required to achieve free, fair, and legitimate elections, despite persistent criticism over its supplier selection.
The commission spent a large portion of its budget on paying thousands of poll workers, ranging from registration clerks during voter registration to election authorities such as returning and polling officers.
Election materials will be moved from constituencies to polling places beginning today.