Murkomen warns politicians against deploying supporters to by-election tallying centres

Heightened political activity ahead of Thursday’s by-elections has pushed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to issue a strong reminder that securing polling stations is the duty of state agencies, not supporters or party groups.

Murkomen's remarks followed rising claims by various politicians that they would deploy their followers to monitor the vote count, a move he said only fuels tension around the election.

He delivered the warning in Kasipul on Wednesday while checking security plans put in place for the polls.

The CS said he had been observing a worrying increase in statements from political leaders encouraging crowds to remain at polling and tallying centres in the name of protection, which he argued creates unnecessary pressure on voters and election staff.

“I want Kenyans to know that no civilian has been given the responsibility to protect any vote. All Kenyans have a right to vote, and the provision of security is the preserve of the National Police Service,” said Murkomen.

He said the government has seen attempts by some groups to ferry people to different centres on polling day, noting that security officers are under instructions to intervene before such plans lead to any interference with the voting process.

“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 said security teams have focused on ensuring the environment remains calm for every voter, especially those who often skip elections out of fear, such as older persons, people with disability, and women who worry about unrest.

“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 said.

He added that drivers and car owners will also be held to account if their vehicles are used to move people hired to intimidate or cause disorder during the exercise.

“Owners of vehicles hired to ferry goons will also face the law because they are enablers,” he stated.

The CS further asked voters not to hang around election centres after marking their ballots, saying the presence of crowds outside tallying areas often creates suspicion and opens space for conflict.

“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. Voting ends at the polling station. So you cannot tell us that you are waiting at a tallying centre to protect a vote,” the CS added.

Murkomen encouraged restraint among supporters and urged them to accept the outcome once declared by the electoral body.

“Keep the 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.

Other Topics To Read

• Headlines
• National
• insecurity
• Kipchumba Murkomen
• by-elections
• banisa by-election
• Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen
• Kasipul by-election
• Malava by-election
• Murkomen warns politicians against deploying supporters to by-election tallying centres
• News

Earlier, the National Police Service also issued its own statement promising a peaceful environment throughout the voting period. In the message, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga assured the public that security had been strengthened and officers were working with the IEBC to guarantee a smooth process.

“The public is assured that adequate security shall be deployed for the attainment of the set objective,” Nyaga said, noting that the officers would conduct their duties impartially.

The by-elections, which have drawn close political attention, will take place tomorrow as security agencies maintain that they are fully prepared to curb disruptions before, during and after the vote.