We wont suspend Baringo, Laikipia operations during polls: Matiangi

Ongoing security operations in Baringo and Laikipia will not be suspended during the elections period, acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said on Tuesday.

Addressing journalists in Nakuru after meeting national government administration officers, Dr Matiangi said that the operations will be intensified until stability is restored in the two counties.

The Interior CS  said that those displaced in the two counties will participate in the August 8^th polls because his ministry will collaborate with the IEBC to ensure they exercise their constitutional right to elect leaders of their choice.

Without disclosing if some polling stations will be shifted, Matiang’i gave an assurance that there are enough security officers to back up the electoral body

Dr Matiangi said two armed police officers with standby back up will be deployed in each polling station.

On the recent curfew imposed in Lamu County, the Interior CS said that it will not be lifted despite pressure from the opposition and that he is prepared to defend the curfew in a court of law if need be.

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet who accompanied Dr Matiangi said that no one will be spared while enforcing the law because police are under firm instructions to arrest those who engage in hooliganism.

Echoing CS Matiang’is sentiments, Boinnet said that police will continue pursuing those invading private ranches in Laikipa.

Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Wanyama Musiambo, who was also present at the press conference, said that police have moved in to investigate those circulating leaflets at Munyaka Estate in Eldoret aiming to cause anxiety among Kenyans.

Mr Musiambo said that police are firm and alert to handle any eventualities, adding that voters should wake up early on the polling day to vote and wait for the results at home.