[Garissa County Commissioner James Kianda with UNICEF Country Representative, Werner Schultink. Kianda says they are ready for the August polls.] (Photo/kbctv.co.ke)
All is set for the August Polls as security agencies in Garissa have promised to beef up security and ensure a peaceful electioneering period.
The region had been identified as a possible post-election violence hotspot according to National Cohesion and Integrity Commission.
County Commissioner James Kianda led a peace procession in the streets of Garissa town on Saturday, where he promised that security will be beefed up during the campaign period.
“We might have been listed as a hotspot because of the highly contested seats, including governor, MP and MCA positions, but we will ensure we have proper security arrangements before, during and after the polls,” he said.
“Aspirants will be given an opportunity to air their views and explain their agenda without coercion. We assure members of the public attending rallies of their security,” he added.
Present at the press conference, Aulian Sultan Hamud Mohamed urged politicians to mind their language during campaigns and desist from inciting the public to violence.
The Garissa Township MP seat is hotly contested, leading to high tensions in the town. Mr Hamud called on the contestants not to divide the town as its cosmopolitan.
He urged residents to listen to all candidates as they share their manifestos and not to discriminate on the basis of clan affiliation.