Central region police commander Geoffrey Mayek/COURTESY
The National Police Service has dismissed claims circulating on social media that rape incidents and deaths occurred during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, saying no such cases were reported before, during or after polling.
In a statement Friday, Central Regional Police Commander Geoffrey Mayek said the election was successfully conducted in a peaceful environment and commended residents for exercising their democratic rights responsibly.
"First, we thank the people of Ol Kalou for exercising their democratic rights in a free and fair environment. They conducted themselves maturely and responsibly," Mayek said.
He also praised police officers deployed to provide security during the exercise, saying they discharged their duties professionally.
"To all our officers who were deployed to cover the exercise, we thank you wholesomely for carrying out your mandate in a steadfast, dignified and professional manner," he said.
The statement comes a day after some political leaders traded accusations over alleged violence, voter bribery and intimidation during the by-election.
Mayek said Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had also taken note of reports showing unidentified individuals moving around Ol Kalou under unclear circumstances.
He said the IG had directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to establish who the individuals were and the purpose of their presence in the constituency.
"The Inspector General has directed a full investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to establish who the individuals were and what their motive was, with a view to taking appropriate action," the statement said.
The police, however, maintained that reports alleging rape and deaths were false and had the potential to create unnecessary panic among members of the public.
"As to allegations circulating in the social media spaces about incidents of rape and deaths, the true position is that no rape incidents were reported in Ol Kalou before, during and after the voting process," Mayek said.
He warned that spreading unverified information could erode public trust in security agencies whose constitutional mandate is to protect life and property and enforce the law.
"Such reports have the potential of causing unnecessary panic while also breeding mistrust between the public and the National Police Service," he said.
The regional commander urged anyone with information about criminal offences committed during the election to report the matter at the nearest police station for investigation.
"Each statement made to the public ought to meet a high threshold of truth, reliability and trust. The National Police Service encourages anyone to come out and lodge a complaint on any criminal incident at any time whenever it occurs for appropriate and lawful action," he said.
Mayek reaffirmed the National Police Service's commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of all Kenyans during and after the electoral process.
