Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has called for the deployment of more police officers to the Coast region following a report by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) on looming election violence.
Speaking on Wednesday, July 20,during the launch if the first Anti-Terror Police Unit headquarters in Mombasa, Matiang'i revealed that the NIS had identified two counties as possible hot spots for gang-related chaos ahead of the polls.
The CS disclosed that the report had warned about the mushrooming of criminal groups linked to political leaders further threatening to take firm action.
"We are looking at some aspects in some two counties in this region where possibly players in the electoral process may be tempted to try and mass up small groups to engage in crime. My simple advice to them is do not try!
"We are watching very closely and I have asked my colleagues in the regional security team to act ruthlessly on any politicians who is going to try those kinds of things. We are bringing up special additional resources to back up their work and planning," he added.
In line with this, Matiang'i added that the police presence in the two counties would keep the counties safe during the election period.
The new directive comes amid concerns raised by the residents who complained that school-going children had been recruited by some of the gangs.
Meanwhile, he lauded the construction of the ATPU headquarters, stating that the partnership between the United Kingdom and Kenyan governments would boost the fight against terrorism.
“With the assistance of our partners, we have steadily grown our capabilities to confront terrorism and other transnational crimes. We are immensely grateful to the people of the UK, through the British High Commission (Nairobi)," the CS stated.
On her part, UK Ambassador to Kenya Jane Marriot affirmed Britain's support in counter-terrorism, promising more financial backing from London.
“Terrorism is one of the biggest threats facing our countries. To counter this threat, I am delighted to support Kenya with approximately Ksh1 billion (GBP7 million) a year.”
“Defeating terrorism is a key priority in the UK-Kenya security partnership and today’s opening marks a key milestone in our joint efforts,” the High Commissioner noted.
Matiang'i added that in future, a court will be built next to the headquarters to expedite the process of prosecuting of terror suspects.
