NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 14 – The National Police Service has deployed more than 1,000 officers, four water cannons and specialized tactical units to secure Thursday’s high-stakes Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election amid heightened political tensions, allegations of voter bribery and isolated incidents of violence.
Inspector General Douglas Kanja said the elaborate security operation is designed to guarantee a peaceful, free and credible election, assuring residents they will be able to exercise their democratic rights without intimidation.
“The people of Ol Kalou are expected to exercise their democratic rights in a free, fair, peaceful, secure and credible manner as guided by our Constitution and the laws of the land,” Kanja said during a joint briefing with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The security deployment comes as rival political camps continue to trade accusations of voter bribery, intimidation and electoral misconduct ahead of Thursday’s mini-poll.
Multi-layered security operation
Kanja said every one of the constituency’s 114 polling stations will have at least two police officers assigned to secure voting materials, election officials and the polling process.
In addition, each polling station will have a standby response team of not fewer than fourteen officers ready to intervene in the event of any security incident.
“We have over 1,000 police officers deployed to ensure that the by-election is adequately covered,” Kanja said.
To reinforce the operation, the Inspector General announced the deployment of four platoons of General Service Unit (GSU) officers, four platoons from the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) and four water cannons to respond to any public order challenges.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has also deployed officers to gather intelligence and investigate electoral offences, including voter bribery, violence and other forms of malpractice.
“The DCI’s mandate shall focus on intelligence gathering, investigations, arrest and prosecution of any party or individuals involved in any electoral malpractice,” Kanja said.
Assurance to voters
Kanja urged residents to turn out peacefully and cooperate with security officers, emphasizing that the operation is intended not only to protect the election but also to ensure normal business and transport activities continue uninterrupted throughout the voting period.
“The National Police Service shall remain steadfast during the by-election process, ensuring a safe and secure environment where the people of Ol Kalou have an opportunity to exercise their democratic rights in peace,” he said.
The IEBC declared all logistical preparations for the by-election complete, announced a ban on mobile phones inside voting booths to safeguard ballot secrecy, and warned that anyone engaging in campaigns after the official deadline or violating the Electoral Code of Conduct would face prosecution.
IEBC declares all set for Ol Kalou poll, bans phones inside voting booths