All political night meetings have been banned in Kisumu County over rising cases of violence and voter intimidation.
Speaking at a meeting that brought ODM Party aspirants drawn from Kisumu West and Kisumu East, area Member of Parliament (MP) Olago Oluoch stated that they had resolved to introduce the measure in order to ensure peaceful campaigns and promote co-existence in the area.
“We want to campaign peacefully. We do not want anyone to make any inflammatory statements that could interfere with the peace we are currently enjoying,” said Olago.
Olago noted that violence hotspots in the area had also been mapped out and intelligence shared with the security apparatus in the county to avert violence.
In agreement, Kisumu East Deputy County Commissioner Josephine Ouko added that no political meeting will henceforth be held past six o'clock.
Kisumu West Deputy commissioner Walter Ngaira also cautioned the aspirants against ferrying and using hooligans in their campaigns and instead seek security from the police by applying for licenses in good time.
Ngaira called on all the leaders to involve the police in their meetings and dissociate from the temptation of running political night vigils that had become conduits for criminals to harass and intimidate members of the public.
The decision comes in the wake of calls for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to resolve political wrangles pitting two factions that claim to represent the party and are threatening the smooth running of party primaries.
