Human rights activists are alarmed over the increasing number of organised criminal gangs in Nakuru, two months to the general election.
They said the gang's activities have been worsened by an increase in banditry and cattle rustling around the Kerio Valley, leaving many dead, injured or displaced.
They spoke a week after the National Cohesion and Integration Commission flagged Nakuru county as one of six hotspots ahead of the election.
Calvin Muga from Midrift Human Rights Network said the upsurge in organised gang in some Nakuru estates was worrying.
“Some politicians are using land ownership disputes, cattle rustling and even the organised gangs to cause havoc and it's time the necessary arms of the government acted,” he said.
He spoke in Karagita estate in Naivasha after meeting women and youth aspirants.
Muga said women were the most affected by violence during election periods.
“Women and the disabled face financial and violence challenges and we are keen to support them during this period,” he said.
Hellsgate MCA Virginia Wamaitha said women face problems of hate speech and abuse during their campaigns.
Wamaitha who is defending her seat denied the sprawling Karagita estate was a hotspot. She said residents had learnt the hard way from the 207-08 post-election violence.
“Women have to develop thick skin while campaigning as they face all kinds of abuses and humiliation," she said.
Chairwoman of Maendeleo ya Wanawake in Naivasha Esther Nyokabi said women need more security during the campaign period.
She said their male competitors were responsible for threatening and antagonising them during political meetings.
“We support the ongoing peace campaigns by various groups before the general election and our prayers are for peaceful coexistence,” she said.
The chairman of civil society groups in Naivasha Karobia Kiratu said Naivasha was very peaceful despite NCIC flagging it as a hotspot and praised security officers.
“We have conducted a survey indicating many flower farm workers have sought annual leave in August as they want to go vote in the rural areas,” he said.
(Edited by V. Graham)
