The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has banned all political campaigns in Siaya County which is National Super Alliance (NASA) stronghold for six days.
The decision was arrived at after IEBC officials met security team from the county to discuss the tension and political intolerance in the region.
Siaya County IEBC Returning Officer Ruth Kulundu disclosed that the decision was made due to the simmering tensions and rivalry that are a threat to peace as well as the electoral process.
"With powers bestowed on me by the Constitution as the County Returning Officer, I have decided to suspend the ongoing campaigns until the tension eases on the ground," stated Ms Kulundu.
She explained that the suspension would take effect from July 1 to July 6 as the relevant authorities monitor the situation, adding the ban would remain in place for longer should there be no signs of political tolerance by then.
Kulundu, who was accompanied by County Commissioner Josephine Onunga and County Police Commander Beatrice Gachago warned that those who violate the directive risk being barred from participating in the August elections.
On Monday, the rivalry and tensions degenerated into chaos at a NASA rally held in Rarieda and attended by its presidential candidate Raila Odinga.
Several people were injured in the fracas that also saw police arrest some of those involved in the mayhem.
[caption caption="NASA leader Raila Odinga at a past campaign rally"]
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