Western Regional Commissioner (RC), Isaiah Nakoru, has assured residents that security agencies are intensifying patrols and closely monitoring the electoral process, to ensure peace prevails during the entire electioneering period.
He said the security team has come up with a security operational plan that will guide their operation across the region, as politicians intensify campaigns.
The RC directed security agencies to summon politicians who incite or sponsor goons to disrupt the peace.
“We expect close monitoring from security agencies and collect a lot of information including where necessary, even summoning those politicians who are likely to incite or sponsor goons,” he noted.
He also warned against the negative use of bodaboda riders, especially in Ikolomani and Khwisero.
Speaking to National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) in Kakamega, Nakoru said they have identified some hot spot areas which will be monitored and enough security officers deployed.
Some of the areas under watch are Maraba and Jua Kali in Kakamega Central, Butsotso South, Amalemba Estate, Milimani and Mumias East among others.
He urged administration officers to continue holding barazas in their areas of operation to enhance harmonious co-existence among community groups such as in Navakholo between the Banyala and Batsotso.
“Because we are talking about ensuring this region is secure,” he added.
He urged the NGAO officers not to tolerate any criminal act, including rape, alcohol abuse, or theft and the banned disco matanga.
The RC advised the NGAO officers not to develop cold feet since they are guided by the National Government Co-ordination Act of 2019, which gives them power to coordinate national government activities, national government business and agencies.
He said it is expected of them to offer effective services to residents and added they must uphold integrity and be honest at all times.
“We have to offer services without being biased, we must serve all people equally,” he noted.
He disclosed that Western Region has 2,668 polling stations and 4,282 polling streams where security will be enhanced during the elections.
“Kakamega has 13 tallying centers and 959 polling stations. We must ensure there is adequate security on Election Day in these polling centers,” he added.
Kakamega County Commissioner, John Ondego, warned politicians against convening parallel meetings which might cause chaos.
He also warned politicians against removing posters of their opponents from billboards.
Source: Kenya News Agency