Police officers arrive for poll duty in Kisumu/MIKE KARIUKI
Police Spokesman Charles Owino said the Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo had received reports that some individuals were plotting to disrupt voting at various polling centres in the listed areas.
Owino disclosed that those intending to cause the disruptions planned to wear police uniforms and urged Kenyans to be on the lookout. He said the police were prepared and would deal with any unrest sternly.
“If anybody is preparing to put on our uniform and disrupt elections we shall not allow it. But remember any person in uniform coming to harass you is not a policeman. They are criminals so give a report immediately so that we can take action,” Owino cautioned.
Addressing a pressing briefing on election preparedness at the Bomas of Kenya, Owino said election offences would be prosecuted with speed.
He added that a special charge sheet had been developed by the police legal department, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), to prosecute those suspected of electoral offences.
He also expressed confidence at the ability of the Judiciary to speedily conclude cases surrounding electoral felonies saying the police would not tolerate any acts of impunity during the elections.
“At least within three days we shall be able to conclude these cases and this is very important for us. We are working closely with the Judiciary,” Owino said.
Despite the threat of chaos, Owino assured Kenyans of ample security during and after the General Election. He said more than 99,000 officers would be involved in providing security for Kenyans with each polling station having two police officers.
He said the officers had already been deployed and were already in the stations prepared to ensure they is adequate security for Kenyans to vote peacefully.
“We have provided an enabling environment in terms of security to ensure that this election is carried out peacefully, is free and fair so that we don’t get a repeat of what happened in 2007,” Owino said.
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