Police to provide security during primaries — Matiang'i

Security agencies have been mobilised and strategically deployed ahead of party primaries, which are expected to be hotly contested in some regions.

Interior CS Fred Matiang’i said a multi-agency security team has already mapped out potential flashpoints in the exercise that begins in two weeks time and concludes on April 24.

The CS spoke at a consultative meeting with the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya on Friday.

He said the special deployment plan will be executed alongside heightened surveillance of political activities and the crackdown on hate speech and incitement.

“We have plans for ensuring nominations, like any other election-related activity, are conducted in an environment of peace.

"We are continuously assessing levels of vulnerability to security challenges during this season and adjusting our strategies accordingly,” Matiang'i said.

He, however, said prolonged political campaigns put a strain on security resources as more officers are being dedicated to dealing with campaign-related conflicts.

The CS said IEBC should strictly enforce the elections calendar, especially on the official campaign window.

He said protracted politicking was unhealthy for the nation and families’ economy.

"Inclusive debate on election laws and campaign financing rules, which should have regulated spending by politicians, encourages violent conflicts on sharing of bribery money among mobilised crowds," Matiang'i said.

The CS said having been in campaign mode for the past four years, what follows is violent confrontations arising from disagreements in sharing of campaign bribes.

"We have had to commit more resources into managing charged crowds and containing the resultant clashes, this has strained the resources we have at our disposal,” he said.

The IRCK through its chairperson, Rev Father Joseph Mutie, sought appraisal on the security preparedness for the August polls.

Also, the government's plan against ethnic mobilisation that is undermining cohesion, security and peace.

The council further wants a guarantee that security agencies will uphold neutrality during polls and IEBC staff will be provided with adequate security.

Matiang’i said the government will meet IEBC security needs as requested by the commission.

He however said religious leaders should commit more efforts to peace and reconciliation efforts.

The CS said the curfew imposed in parts of Garissa will be reviewed ahead of the Ramadhan period, subject to the restoration of calm.

Matiang’i also said that the government is prioritising inter-community peace-building initiatives to complement ongoing security operations in Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet and other insecurity-prone areas.

He further dismisses claims of government involvement in extrajudicial killings saying the claim is unfounded and untrue. 

Inspector General of police Hillary Mutyambai and senior religious leaders were present at the meeting.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)