Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has reiterated Kisumu has not banned seminars and workshops on claims voters IDs' are being
bought.
There were also reports the county had asked hotels not to host any meetings until the repeat election is held.
Nyong’o dismissed the reports on Tuesday saying his government only asked organisations to inform relevant authorities before such gatherings take place.
He noted this will prevent the notion the meetings are held for identification cards to be purchased before NASA's Raila Odinga once again faces President Uhuru Kenyatta of Jubilee Party.
“The county government cautioned NGOs and religious leaders organising civic awareness seminars within the county to inform the county secretary or ODM party officials before such events are held."
He added this will prevent unfortunate incidents as witnessed in the past.
Nyong'o said
businesses, company meetings and seminars are not affected by the cautionary step.
“It is unfortunate that some people misunderstood me and took my cautionary remarks to mean we are banning seminars and workshops in Kisumu," he said in his office.
But the Governor noted some meetings are for buying IDs yet they are presented as gatherings for civic education.
“Unfortunately its true this has been happening. We must put an end to its because it is going on in Kisumu, Kakamega and even Ukambani.
"Our party officials have informed us of this so we don’t want our hotels to get trapped in unfortunate scenarios."
He said this is why they welcomed hotel owners and stakeholders for discussions on the way forward.
The county will publish messages with this clarification in newspapers.
Police in Kisumu have arrested three suspects linked to violence during a meeting at Jumuia Hotel last Wednesday.
County commander Titus Yoma Told the Star more people will be arrested.
A crowd stormed the meetings convened by the
Inter-religious Council of Kenya. It had about 150 women participants from Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii and Migori.
The group claimed the meeting was being used to buy residents' IDs but the organisers and management denied this.
The attackers stole laptops, cell phones, cash reimbursement and handbags, and destroyed the hotel’s perimeter wall.
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