Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials in various parts of the country resigned on Thursday after being frustrated by the public during the repeat presidential election.
A police report filed at Rera Dok Primary polling station at Marani in Kisii stated that the returning officer ordered the voting to be called off after presiding officers and polling clerks resigned. They cited threats on their lives from the locals who did not want to participate in the exercise.
Four deaths, several injuries, missing electoral officials and destruction of ballot materials are among occurrences reported by police that could have scared away the officials.
[caption caption="IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati"]
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In Siaya, Ugenya returning officer Issack Nabwayo, was reported missing at 7.30pm on Wednesday. With the help of mobile phone technology, investigations revealed he last communicated on his phone at 10pm the same day in Kakamega.
In another report, the returning officer at Uriri in Migori was attacked near his home forcing him to escape on a motorbike to Uriri police station.
Mr Benson Ambuko told officers that he was confronted by anti-election protesters who beat him up, injuring him on the neck and took away his laptop, a cell phone and Sh8,000.
Separately, five men masquerading as voters destroyed a ballot box and papers at Entontol polling station in Melili ward, Narok North constituency. Five ballots had been cast at the time of the attack.
According to another report, no voting took place in Awendo, Migori County as there were no presiding officers available.
As voting came to a close at 5pm, the police force warned of stern action after receiving information that there were plans to attack convoys transporting ballot materials from polling stations to tallying centres.
Similar attacks and protests especially in NASA strongholds led to resignation of various electoral officials who cited security concerns.
[caption caption="Kenya Anti-riot police"]
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