Interior CS Fred Matiangi has ordered the placement of additional police officers at the coast to enhance security ahead of the August general election.
According to CS Matiangi, intelligence reports had flagged out politically-linked mobilization of gangs and other illegal groupings that could pose a security threat in at least two counties in the region.
While speaking on Wednesday, July 20 after chairing a meeting of regional security chiefs in Mombasa, Matiang’i said the additional officers and more equipment should be expected within a week.
“I have asked the regional security teams to raise up the level of security alertness to ensure that we facilitate effective participation in the general election. We are bringing up special additional resources to back up their work and planning,” he stated.
Also Read: Matiang’i Says Govt’ Is Prepared To Secure The Country During August Polls
Moreover, the Interior CS reported that state is determined to ensure that peace will prevails in the region while promising to crackdown illegal gangs and the politicians sponsoring them.
“We have players in two counties that may be tempted to amass small groups that could engage in crime. My simple advice to them is not to try because we’re watching closely. I’ve asked the security team to act very decisively on any individual politician who tries to do that kind of a thing,” he said.
Furthermore, in June, the CS confirmed that security agencies are all set to provide the necessary support to the IEBC during the polls.
He also noted that security teams were finalizing strategies in line with standard operating procedures and would soon begin mock deployments to polling stations in preparation to support the IEBC conduct elections.
Moreover, as part of the preparation exercise Matiangi stated that the command teams will move around the proposed polling stations and areas where voting and tallying will take place to ensure that the government has everything it needs to support the electoral agency during the August 9 general election.