Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has cautioned Kenyans against scrambling for the campaign money being dished out by politicians ahead of the August polls.
The CS explained that the funds have raised security concerns, adding that police officers are stretched and overwhelmed by crowds that are jostling for the cash.
CS Matiang'i was speaking on Friday, April 1, after meeting with the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK), where he stated that premature campaigns and conflicts around crowds mobilization are straining available security resources.
The CS further noted that additional resources have to be committed to containing and resolving disputes that are stemming from political campaigns.
According to Matiang'i, 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 on politics.
He assured leaders that police and other security agencies have been mobilised and strategically deployed ahead of political party primaries likely to be hotly contested in some regions.
“We have our plans for ensuring the nominations, like any other election-related activity, are conducted in an environment of peace. We are continuously assessing the levels of vulnerability to security challenges during this season and adjusting our strategies accordingly," the CS stated.
“We have been in campaign mode for the past four years. What follows is violent confrontations arising from disagreements in sharing of campaign bribes.
"We have had to commit more resources to manage charged crowds and containing the resultant clashes and this has strained the resources we have at our disposal,” he continued.
IRCK through its Chairperson, Rev. Father Joseph Mutie, sought a review of the security preparedness on the August polls and specifically the government's plan against ethnic lobbying that is undermining cohesion, security and peace.
The Council also asked Dr Matiang'i to assure the country that police and other security agencies will uphold neutrality during the election period and that IEBC will be provided with adequate protection.
CS Matiang’i affirmed that the government will meet IEBC security needs as requested by the Commission and took the time to challenge religious leaders to commit more efforts to peace and reconciliation.
He stated that the curfew imposed in parts of Garissa County will be reviewed ahead of the Ramadhan period subject to the restoration of calm. Further, Dr Matiang’i noted that the government is prioritizing inter-community peacebuilding initiatives to complement ongoing security operations.
