Kwale police intensify patrols in poll violence hotspots

Police and IEBC officers in Kwale county have identified several areas as violence hotspots during the election period.

The areas include Kinondo, Gombato, Jomo Kenyatta, Mwakigwena, Mlungunipa and Mvindeni within Msambweni subcounty.

In the previous elections, Msambweni recorded the highest number of chaos in polling stations compared to Kinango, Lunga-Lunga and Matuga constituencies, according to IEBC officials.

Subcounty police commander Francis Gachoki said enough security has been deployed in the violence-marked zones to ensure a peaceful election.

He said they are working in a multi-agency approach to keep vigilance and neutralise any security threats.

"We have police both in uniform and civilian patrolling in those areas to maintain peace and security," he said.

He said so far security is intact and police officers have intensified vigilance. 

On Friday, Governor Salim Mvurya called on the security team to increase police patrols in the hotspot areas.

Gachoki said more than 30 police officers will be manning the tallying centres and at least two officers will be deployed in all the 154 polling stations.

He said the patrolling officers will be responding to any eventualities with an additional number of GSU officers who are on standby.

"We are not taking any chances because of these juvenile gangs. We have GSUs from Waa and border patrol units," he said.

Msambweni has a total of 82, 261 registered voters while the whole of Kwale county has 328, 316.

Gachoki urged residents to come out in large numbers to exercise their civic duty without fear.

"There is nothing to worry about let them come and vote. The security is tight," he said.

Msambweni returning officer Japhet Omara Mbwana said they have handed over the voting materials to the respective IEBC officers.

He said everything is going on smoothly and there are no challenges at the moment.

Mbwana said they have inspected the materials and personnel and nothing has been tampered with as they are working with other stakeholders to deliver a free, fair and credible election.

"We have strengthened communication between security, IEBC officers and candidates to address complaints and any rising challenges," he said.

On Saturday county returning officer Obadiah Kariuki assured residents and candidates of free and fair elections.

He said together with the security team they have put proper measures.

(Edited by Tabnacha O)