Civilians' firearms not allowed at Machakos tallying centre

 All legal firearm holders are required to deposit their rifles to police officers before gaining access to Machakos County tallying centre.

Machakos County police commander Issa Mohammud said this will ensure that all those accessing the centre located at Machakos Academy were safe without any security threats.

Mohammud said the police had set aside a temporary armoury at the centre to keep the guns which will only be issued to owners as they exit the venue.

The centre where results for governor, woman representatives and senators will be tallied and winners declared was set up yesterday.

Mohammud said the tallying had begun at the centre after Machakos County retuning officer Nelly Illongo received election results from Kathiani and Yatta counties.

"We have set up a place for keeping all firearms belonging to civilians. None will be allowed to access the county tallying centre with a gun," Mohammud told the Star on phone on Thursday.

He said the armoury used to temporarily store the weapons was made of steel hence safe. Police officers had been assigned to man them.

"We have a register which owners are signing before their firearms are kept," Mohammud said.

The police boss said security had been highlighted in the centre and its neighbourhoods.

"We are ready and frisking people here before they gain entry into the centre so that everyone is safe. We have enough police officers at the entrance, " Mohammud said.

Mohammud dismissed claims that some unmarked ballot boxes and Kiems kits had been found at National Industrial Training Authority on Thursday.

He termed the claims as unfounded lies from people who were worried about the election's outcomes.

"That's a lie, I heard the rumours and personally visited NITA. There was nothing like that. I talked to everyone at the Mavoko constituency tallying centre including agents," Mohammud said.

"Everything is in control, there are no issues. Worried people are coming up with baseless claims. We are already at the county tallying centre continuing with the tallying exercise after receiving results from Kathiani and Yatta constituencies," Mohammud said.