Written By John Mutiso 📝
Interior CS Fred Matiang’i has said that security personnel is overstretched during political parties’ primaries as officers are being deployed to manage crowds that fight over politicians’ campaign cash.
Speaking during a meeting with the interfaith council on security arrangements for elections on Friday, the CS said that premature campaigns and conflicts around crowd mobilization and sharing of campaign bribes are straining the available security resources as more resources have to be committed to contain or resolve related disputes.
Matiang’i also called on the IEBC to enforce the official campaign calendar to spare the country prolonged and costly campaigns.
The CS also said that the prolonged campaign season is hurting the economy and families as prime time and resources that could be utilized in productive ventures are being squandered in politics.
According to the CS, Government is prioritizing inter-community peace-building initiatives to complement ongoing security operations in Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Garissa, and other insecurity-prone zones.
The CS however challenged religious leaders to be more proactive in peace-building initiatives and also asked the clergy to engage the Judiciary on the slow adjudication of cases involving politicians.
However, the Inter-Faith Council called for the strengthening of the multi-sectoral forum on election preparedness.
The Council decried fraudulent registration of membership by political parties and also urged for firm but fair containment of security incidents around party primaries.
It also called for police impartiality during elections and urged the Government to deploy more security officers to the 10 counties experiencing insecurity.
The council also called for firm deference against persons inciting hatred and violence and urged for more Government involvement in the promotion of civic education.
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