The National Police Service (NPS) has denied any bias in executing its mandate ahead of the upcoming by-elections, despite some unfortunate events occurring during the campaign trails.
In a statement issued on Thursday November 13, the NPS reaffirmed its political neutrality and commitment to safeguarding Kenyans amid recent allegations made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Ahead of the by-elections on November 27, the police assured the public of adequate security through a multifaceted security plan developed in collaboration with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“The National Police Service remains neutral and is dedicated solely to its duty of maintaining law and order. We are committed to serving all Kenyans impartially and to ensuring that the electoral process is not marred by security concerns,” the statement read in part.
NPS further cautioned politicians and their supporters against engaging in incitement, violence or any form of hate speech, warning that any of these violations would attract legal consequences.
“We will not tolerate any form of violence, incitement, hate speech, destruction of property or disruption of public order,” the statement noted. “Politicians are urged to promote peace and tolerance and to be mindful that any unlawful actions will be met with the full force of the law.”
Gachagua Allegations
The statement came at the back of explosive allegations made by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Gachagua, who openly accused Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja of bias ahead of his tour to Mbeere North to campaign for the opposition's candidate in the by-election.
Gachagua issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon, November 12, urging the IG to arrest a group of individuals whose video threatening the former DP had gone viral on social media two days earlier.
The former DP, whose four-day campaign tour of Mbeere North is scheduled to begin on November 16, urged authorities to ensure a level playing field during the elections.
The NPS also encouraged Kenyans to remain calm and exercise their democratic right to vote without any concerns. The NPS also urged people to report any suspicious activities, incitement or incidents of violence to their local police station or via the service's toll-free hotlines.
By-Election Guidelines By IEBC
Ahead of the November 27 by-elections, the IEBC recently issued fresh guidelines, including the window to conduct campaigns. Campaigns will strictly run from 7am to 6pm daily, starting from Wednesday, October 8.
Kenyans seeking to contest the mini-elections as independent candidates will be required to obtain and submit a clearance certificate from the Registrar of Political Parties.
The certificate must confirm that they have not been members of any political party for at least three months before the by-election date.
