A day before voters head to the polls in several by-elections, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has urged political leaders to stop rallying supporters to “protect votes”, saying the work of securing the process rests entirely with state agencies.
Speaking on Wednesday in Kasipul, where he checked on security plans ahead of Thursday’s vote, Murkomen said he has been troubled by growing calls from some politicians asking their supporters to remain at polling or tallying centres in the name of safeguarding their votes. He said such activity is unlawful and risks creating confusion or confrontation at voting areas.
“I want Kenyans to know that no civilian has been given the responsibility to protect any vote,” he said. “All Kenyans have a right to vote, and the provision of security is the preserve of the National Police Service.”
He stated that no political group has the authority to deploy people around voting venues, warning that individuals being moved around to intimidate voters or influence the count will face immediate action from security agencies.
“I want to warn all those preparing to ferry goons to tallying centres to protect votes and disrupt the process that they will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
Murkomen added that security officers have prepared for a peaceful exercise and will focus on making sure every voter, including those who worry about violence, feels safe enough to participate.
“I want to ask women, persons with disability, and the aged who might be afraid of violence to know that we have put in place measures to guarantee their security,” he assured.
He noted that any vehicle owners who knowingly allow their cars to be used to transport hired groups intending to cause trouble will also be held responsible.
“Owners of vehicles hired to ferry goons will also face the law because they are enablers,” he said.
The CS also advised voters not to linger around tallying centres after casting their ballots. He explained that once the voting is done, the responsibility shifts to the electoral and security teams.
“Once you vote, go home and wait for the results. There is nothing like protecting your vote; we will not allow loitering around tallying stations,” he said. “Voting ends at the polling station. So you cannot tell us that you are waiting at a tallying centre to protect a vote.”
Murkomen asked Kenyans to remain calm regardless of the winners, saying elections should not be a source of conflict.
“Keep peace and go home to wait for the results. If your candidate wins, you celebrate; if they don’t, you plan for the next elections,” he said.
His remarks came hours after the National Police Service issued a separate message promising fairness and calm during the by-elections. NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said officers had been deployed and were working closely with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure the process runs smoothly.
“The public is assured that adequate security shall be deployed for the attainment of the set objective,” Nyaga said, adding that officers would operate professionally and without bias.
The by-elections, scheduled for Thursday, have attracted strong political interest, with security teams saying they are ready to maintain order from the start of voting to the final announcement.
