Murkomen warns politicians against ‘protecting votes’ during Thursday by-elections

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has cautioned politicians against mobilising supporters to “protect votes” during Thursday’s by-elections.

The CS insisted that safeguarding the electoral process is solely the responsibility of the state.

Speaking in Kasipul on Wednesday while inspecting security preparedness, Murkomen said he had noted with concern a growing trend of politicians vowing to protect their votes at polling and tallying centres—an action he stressed is unlawful and unnecessary.

“I want Kenyans to know that no civilian has been given the responsibility to protect any vote,” the CS said firmly. “All Kenyans have a right to vote, and the provision of security is the preserve of the National Police Service.”

Murkomen warned political actors against hiring or ferrying goons to polling or tallying centres with the intention of intimidating rivals or influencing the process.

“I want to warn all those preparing to ferry goons to tallying centres to protect votes and disrupt the process that they will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

He added that security agencies have put in place measures to ensure peaceful participation by all, including vulnerable groups who often fear violence during elections.

“I want to ask women, persons with disability, and the aged who might be afraid of violence to know that we have put in place measures to guarantee their security,” he assured.

Murkomen also said vehicle owners whose cars are hired to ferry hired thugs will be held accountable.

“Owners of vehicles hired to ferry goons will also face the law because they are enablers,” he stated.

The CS urged voters to return home immediately after casting their ballots, cautioning against crowding or loitering around tallying centres.

“Once you vote, go home and wait for the results. There is nothing like protecting your vote; we will not allow loitering around tallying stations,” he said. “Voting ends at the polling station. So you cannot tell us that you are waiting at a tallying centre to protect a vote.”

Murkomen encouraged Kenyans to maintain peace regardless of the election outcome.

“Keep peace and go home to wait for the results. If your candidate wins, you celebrate; if they don’t, you plan for the next elections,” he said.

He made the remarks after the National Police Service (NPS) issued a similar assurance of security and neutrality in the by-elections.

In a statement, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the police had deployed adequate personnel and were working closely with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure a peaceful and credible process.

“The public is assured that adequate security shall be deployed for the attainment of the set objective,” Nyaga said, adding that officers would operate professionally and without bias.

Thursday’s by-elections are expected to draw intense political interest, with security agencies reiterating their commitment to uphold order before, during, and after the vote.