Nyandarua Senator John Methu has dismissed calls for voters to leave polling stations immediately after casting their ballots, saying his supporters will remain alert throughout the electoral process to ensure every vote is properly accounted for during the 2027 General Election.
The senator said protecting votes goes beyond marking the ballot paper, adding that Kenyans must also keep a close watch on the counting and tallying process until the exercise is complete.
He argued that the recent Ol Kalou by-election had reinforced the need for vigilance from the moment voting begins to the declaration of results.
Methu was speaking during a political rally in Nanyuki while responding to recent remarks by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who cautioned against people gathering around polling stations under the pretext of protecting votes.
“Jana niliona Murkomen anasema ati tukipiga kura tuende nyumbani. Siku ya kupiga kura, tutapiga kura na tulinde,” Methu said.
He maintained that asking supporters to remain engaged throughout the election should not be mistaken for incitement or disorder, saying the intention is to ensure the entire process is conducted openly and that the will of voters is reflected in the final outcome.
According to Methu, the strategy is not new but one his team successfully applied during the Ol Kalou by-election, where supporters closely monitored the voting exercise until the counting of ballots was completed.
He said that experience had strengthened their belief that active participation throughout the electoral process is necessary and would form part of their preparations for the 2027 General Election.
“Just like we did during the Ol Kalou by-election, where we protected our votes, we will do the same in 2027,” Methu said.
Murkomen, however, maintained that security during elections rests entirely with the National Police Service and warned that authorities would not allow politicians or members of the public to take over that responsibility.
While speaking on Friday, the Interior Cabinet Secretary said police would firmly deal with anyone attempting to guard polling stations or politicians in the name of protecting votes.
“There is no part of Kenya where we will allow an ordinary citizen or a politician to take up a club claiming they are going to protect themselves, guard a polling station, or guard a politician. They are all goons! And Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has already started work,” Murkomen said.
Methu shared the platform with DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua and other leaders during the Nanyuki rally before the team proceeded to Naromoru town in Nyeri for another public meeting.
Addressing supporters there, Gachagua said the movement was entering a fresh phase aimed at changing the country's political direction.
"This marks the beginning of a new chapter, one dedicated to reclaiming our nation," he said.
The exchange between the two leaders comes as political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election continues to gather pace, with parties intensifying public rallies and grassroots mobilisation across different parts of the country.