By-elections: Interior CS Murkomen reads riot act to politicians plotting to ferry goons

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has stated that only accredited persons will be allowed into polling stations and tallying centres, adding that no one will be permitted to loiter near polling areas after casting their ballot.

Murkomen also issued a stern warning to politicians accused of plotting to hire goons to disrupt Thursday’s mini-polls, insisting that they will face the full force of the law.

Speaking when he toured Kasipul Constituency to assess security preparedness on Wednesday, the CS revealed that security agencies have received intelligence on plans to ferry goons from Kisumu, Nairobi and neighbouring counties to instigate chaos.

Meanwhile, IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon reiterated that the commission will take decisive action against anyone found engaging in election malpractices.

“These people who are going to Kisumu, to Nairobi and other counties to hire and recruit goons to disrupt elections here and in other areas, don’t try that. We are going to take stern action against financiers and transporters,” Murkomen pointed out.

With opposition leaders calling on their supporters to guard the votes for their candidates, the Interior CS said they will not entertain loitering near polling stations and tallying centres.

“There is no responsibility to protect any vote. Provision of security is the preserve of the National Police Service,” said Murkomen.

Murkomen came to the defence of security agencies accused of being partisan during the by-election campaigns, insisting that every decision and action taken was guided by intelligence briefs.

He maintained that the operations were based on verified information and warned that any officer found engaging in election malpractice will face stern disciplinary action.

“The situation in Narok was very clear. When police realized there would be a clash between two groups, they advised against the campaigns but one camp defied, and police took action. If you see a police officer interfering with an election, share with us his details,” he added.

On the violence witnessed in Kasipul on November 6, police say they are yet to apprehend the suspects behind the chaos but investigations are ongoing.

IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon, who attended a security briefing before inspecting the commission’s preparedness in the constituency, reiterated that the IEBC will not hesitate to take action against anyone found violating election laws.

“The commission still has the mechanisms to take action against any reported electoral malpractice. The elections code of conduct enforcement committee is in place and it will remain active until we complete investigations,” Ethekon noted. 

The electoral body chairperson added that the commission is open to addressing any complaints raised by parties involved in the exercise and assured that the by-election will be conducted in a free, fair and credible manner.

“When you have a complaint, don’t lament on social media, don’t complain in other media, don’t lament in your house and expect IEBC to take action when we have not received a formal complaint,” said Ethekon.

In Kasipul, all the presiding officers and deputy presiding officers have been issued with election materials, with a heavy police presence assuring residents of a safe environment.