Vihiga County Police Commander Martin Kibet has appealed to politicians to seek the help of police officers while holding rallies in different parts of the area in a bid to improve security. Kibet said that politicians should come up with a schedule showing when and where they plan to hold their rallies to enable the police agents to offer protection. “We will be present in all political rallies to ensure they are done in a peaceful manner and thwart any threat that would bring chaos and confusions in such meetings,” vowed Kibet.
He said the police have plans to meet all politicians who were cleared by the IEBC next week to give them their program of rallies to avert any clash with the rival group. “The campaigns officially started on Sunday. We call upon the politicians not to flout the laws in the pretext of campaigns,” said Kibet.
Kibet said they have formed a quick rapid team (QRT) that is composed of both Administration and Kenya police to tackle any emergencies that may arise during the election period. Kibet also warned the youth against being used by selfish politicians to disrupt rallies organized by their rivals and create chaos adding that such culprits will be dealt with according to the law.
He added that they will send officers for training starting from next week on how to handle and offer security during the coming general elections. “We will send some senior officers from our departments for the training next week. After the training, they will also come here and train other officers in the region,” said Kibet.
Kibet further said that major towns like Vihiga, Chavakali, and Luanda will need extra police officers to ensure peaceful campaigns and elections. He said the main motive of this exercise is to ensure that campaign meeting of several candidates is not held on same day and place to avert any possible clash between supporters.