KANU leaders in West Pokot County have called on the government to provide political aspirants in the country with security following the rising political tensions ahead of the August general elections.
The leaders said there is need to protect candidates of various parties adding that political polarization has heightened.
Led by West Pokot Senator who is eyeing the County gubernatorial seat Prof. John Lonyangapuo and Pokot South KANU parliamentary aspirant Mr. Stephen Kolimuk, the leaders called on the government to tighten security in all corners of the Country.
“We have witnessed increasing number of insecurity incidents, human rights violations and widespread violence posing a risk to candidates making us fear for our lives. The government should ensure that all Kenyans are safe,” Lonyangapuo said.
He said that they are concerned about the rising political temperatures, prevailing political environment, threats and political intolerance witnessed in the Country.
Speaking at Murpus area, Lonyangapuo called on political leaders to ensure a peaceful co-existence. “We don’t want a repeat of the skirmishes which happened in 2007-2008. Our region was hard hit by election violence where many people died, property was destroyed and residents displaced,” he said.
He observed that the government should put in place early mitigation measures to avert any danger, and urged security organs to take stern action against. He asked security organs to take stern action on inciters and those planning to harm their rivals.
“Those issuing threats to their competitors should be dealt with,” said Lonyangapuo.
The leaders hit out at a section of leaders from the County for interfering with the recruitment of Presiding officers by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Pokot South KANU parliamentary aspirant Mr Stephen Kolimuk said politicians should not have a hand in the recruitment of officers in charge of elections. “We need transparent people to be recruited according to merit for the job to be well done. Pkossing has been influencing recruitment of chiefs,” said Kolimuk.