- The activists from Western Kenya region said the insecurity was occasioned by the political party primaries in the region with little done by the police.
- Police should focus on protection of life and property, prevention and detection of crime.
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Human rights activists have petitioned Nyanza regional commissioner Magu Mutindika and regional police commander Karanja Muiruri over unresolved increased political insecurity in the region.
The activists from Western Kenya region said the insecurity was occasioned by the political party primaries in the region with little done by the police.
Led by Audi Ogada, the activists said police should focus on protection of life and property, prevention and detection of crime.
He said police should also remain committed to apprehension, arrest and prosecution of offenders and preservation of peace, law and order.
Ogada said it was in the public domain that there have been continuous reported cases of violence without conclusive police action in Kisumu, Siaya and Homa Bay and Migori counties.
He cited Gem constituency (Siaya), Kisumu Central constituency (Kisumu) Rangwe and Homa Bay Town constituencies (Homa Bay) and Suna East constituency (Migori) where political violence have been reported.
“The violence has led to several casualties where people have sustained panga cuts, loss of property and people hospitalised,” Ogada said.
In Gem constituency, he said two motor vehicles were impounded loaded with crude weapons. They included hand grenades, teargas canisters, handcuffs, pangas and rungus.
The activists questioned why the police have not made public the names of those who own the vehicle and held them responsible.
“The police have neither summoned them to record any statements and told the public how handcuffs, teargas canisters and hand grenades, that are property of the National Police Service, found themselves in private hands,” he said.
Despite the exhibits in police custody, Ogada said more than one month later, nobody has been charged in court of law, and questioned the silence of police on the matter.
“We want to know why action was taken by the top command of the police and the regional commissioner are silent over this criminal activity,” he said.
The human rights defenders demanded the immediate arraignment of the suspects within 24 hours’ failure to which they will take action against responsible officers.
They also want the names of the owners of the said motor vehicles be made public and demand police impartiality in dealing with elections related offences.
“Multi agencies dealing with elections must remain proactive in dealing with elections related offences which are on the rise,” Ogada said.
They further called on Kenyans to preach peace and exercise tolerance to ensure the August 9 general election is peaceful.
“It is our duty as Kenyans to be responsible and accountable. Elections come and go. When Kenya burns we all burn. Let us remain united as a nation,” Ogada said.
Karanja said action has been taken against those involved in criminal activities. He warned that stern action will be taken against those perpetuating violence in the region irrespective of their political status.
“We have a clear mandate as police officers and anybody found causing violence will not be spared. Politicians should also exercise retrain from things likely to fuel chaos,” Karanja said.
He called on political leaders to be patriotic and responsible during campaigns and after elections.