IEBC officials undergoing training in Kisumu and Siaya were attacked this week. [ghanamag.com]
Police have listed Kisumu, Siaya, parts of Nairobi and Mombasa counties as electoral hot-spots ahead of the October 26 repeat election.
Police Spokesman George Kinoti said due to the prevailing political situation, police have put in place necessary security arrangements aimed at protecting voters and election officials before, during and after the poll.
He said officers will now be on the look for attacks on voters, people preventing others from voting, blocking roads to polling stations and attack on election officials in the hotspots.
Other offences include preventing transportation of voting materials as well as rioting and destruction of government and private property.
Police said they had factored all these risks and offences that are in their reviewed operation plan.
“All those risks have been appreciated and are factored in the reviewed operational plan. Police anticipate such attacks would be in isolated places. Security measures are in place in readiness for any eventuality. Any threat will be mitigated by ensuring action is taken before it happens,” Kinoti said.
“Before any disruption, any plans against the polls will be forestalled. Police will ensure security for all polling officials as well as materials at the stations and distribution centres,” he added.
The commanders reviewed the earlier plan that was applied in the August 8, general election and agreed to include new measures and change operation plans due to the change in political situation.
Earlier this week, officials of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission who were training in preparation for the polls were attacked in Kisumu and Siaya counties
The opposition NASA has maintained elections will not take place while Jubilee has asked its supporters to turn out in the repeat poll and vote for President Uhuru Kenyatta.