Police in Kisumu County have received a major donation of disaster preparedness equipment including body bags ahead of the Tuesday General Election.
The items that include First Aid kits, gloves, stretchers, 200 body bags and other emergency materials were donated by a local non-governmental organization to assist the security officers in case violence breaks out.
The NGO, Malteser International, primarily offers relief food and HIV/AIDS education to communities.
The items were received by the Administration Police Commander, Joseph Keitany, causing tension among the residents.
Flanked by Nyanza Regional Coordinator Wilson Njenga, the security officials assured that the acquisitions were routine, to boost preparedness for weighty events such as elections.
"We will use these kits including the body bags in cases of emergency or accidents or casualties arising from the election," Mr Njenga clarified.
He further dispelled claims that they were anticipating deaths and fatalities during the elections citing that the preparations were being put in place by other institutions as well.
"The Kenya Red Cross team are ready with first aid and medical kits, so the police is not an exception. This is a routine exercise," he explained.
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Mr Njenga further cautioned voters in the county to adhere to the guidelines provided by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
He emphasised that they would not allow anybody to gather outside polling stations apart from accredited voters or election observation mission.
He conveyed that the police are under strict instructions to deal with those defying the IEBC directives.
