Matiang’i gives safety assurance on election day

Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Fred Matiang’i, has assured Kenyans of safety on election day saying that there is sufficient deployment of security.

Speaking to reporters shortly after voting in Nyamira County on Thursday morning, the Interior CS urged Kenyans to come out and vote while stating that security officers were on top of the security situation in the country.

“I don’t anticipate any problem in as far as security is concerned. We have sufficient deployment of security throughout the country,” said Matiang’i.

Matiang’i, who cast his vote at Manga Girls High School in Borabu Constituency, also affirmed the right of those who wished to boycott the October 26 repeat presidential poll, saying that they should stay away from polling stations as others exercised their civic duty.

“If you choose to vote, it’s okay, it’s your right. But stay away from polling stations and stay at home,” said the CS.

The Acting Interior CS however refused to comment on allegations linking him to the outlawed sect, Chinkororo, and that he had told police he would look the other way if the criminal gang was to carry out illegal activities against poll protesters on election day.

“I will not be dragged into politics and I will not be annoyed. Those things are being done to annoy, frustrate and distract me. I want to do my work, which is very clearly spelt out for me,” Matiang’i said.

On Thursday morning, voting began at 6:00am countrywide even though some polling stations are yet to open with voters and electoral officials failing to show up.