The National Police Service (NPS) has assured Kenyans of its preparedness and neutrality ahead of the November 27 by-elections, pledging robust security measures to ensure a peaceful and credible voting process.
In a statement on Thursday, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the service has developed a “robust, multi-faceted security plan” in collaboration with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to safeguard the public and maintain law and order during the elections.
“The National Police Service wishes to assure the public and all stakeholders of its comprehensive preparedness and commitment to providing adequate security before, during, and after the upcoming by-elections,” Nyaga said.
He added that the plan aligns with the constitutional mandate to ensure the safety and security of all persons and property, facilitating a peaceful, free, fair, and credible electoral process.
IEBC has cleared 181 candidates to contest by-elections across 24 electoral areas. Parliament-level contests include one senatorial seat and six National Assembly seats.
The senatorial contest is in Baringo County, while the National Assembly seats are in Magarini (Kilifi County), Banissa (Mandera County), Mbeere North (Embu County), Ugunja (Siaya County), Kasipul (Homa Bay County), and Malava (Kakamega County).
The remaining 17 contests are for county assembly (ward) seats, including Chewani (Galole, Tana River), Fafi (Fafi, Garissa), Mumbuni North (Machakos Town, Machakos), Lake Zone (Turkana North, Turkana), Nanaam (Turkana West, Turkana), Angata Nanyokie (Samburu North, Samburu), Tembelio (Moiben, Uasin Gishu), Metkei (Keiyo South, Elgeyo Marakwet), Chemundu Kapng’etuny (Chesumei, Nandi), Narok Town (Narok North, Narok), Purko (Kajiado Central, Kajiado), Kisa East (Khwisero, Kakamega), Kabuchai Chwele (Kabuchai, Bungoma), Nyamaiya (West Mugirango, Nyamira), Nyansiongo (Borabu, Nyamira), Ekerenyo (North Mugirango, Nyamira), and Kariobangi North (Embakasi North, Nairobi City).
Nyaga urged political candidates, their supporters, and agents to conduct campaigns peacefully and in strict adherence to the law.
He emphasised that violence, hate speech, or any disruption of public order would not be tolerated.
“We will not tolerate any form of violence, incitement, hate speech, destruction of property, or disruption of public order. Politicians are urged to promote peace and tolerance and to be mindful that any unlawful actions will be met with the full force of the law,” he said.
The assurance comes amid heightened political tensions, following clashes in West Kamagak Ward, Homa Bay County, on November 6, during which two people lost their lives and several others were injured.
Nyaga appealed to the public to remain calm and exercise their democratic right to vote without fear, noting that police officers would be deployed across polling areas to ensure safety.
“We urge all members of the public to remain calm and peaceful as they exercise their democratic right to vote. Citizens are encouraged to go out and vote on election day without fear for their safety,” he said.
He also urged the public to report any suspicious activities or attempts to incite violence through police hotlines 999, 911, 112, or anonymously via #FichuaKwaDCI on 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp 0709 570 000.
Nyaga reiterated that the NPS remains neutral, impartial, and committed solely to maintaining law and order throughout the election period.
“We are committed to serving all Kenyans impartially and to ensuring that the electoral process is not marred by security concerns,” he said.
