Kimaiyo issues stern warning to violence executors

By Cyrus Ombati

Nairobi, Kenya: Inspector General of police David Kimaiyo has urged political leaders to urgently fast track the nominations dispute and come up with amicable solutions on the appeals being raised by their respective party aspirants.

This came up as a result of the need to contain crowds that showed unruly behavior and misconduct during the just concluded countrywide party primaries.

Nearly all parties had planned conduct their nominations on January 17, an exercise that was met by many interruptions among them delay and the resultant rioting by party supports.

The delay saw several parties extend the nomination exercise by one to two days.

Kimaiyo was specific on those fanning violence with illegal demonstrations, violence and tension having been witnessed in some parts of the country.

“Let me give them a stern warning that those who sell such crude weapons including the planners, abettors and the executors of the violence especially at this time of elections will be dealt with in accordance with the law and the long arm of the law enforcement will catch up with them,” said Kimaiyo in a press release.

Addressing the press at a Nairobi hotel on Sunday, Kimaiyo warned Kenyans against getting information from social media as the news sources there in may be unreliable.

He added that social media is leading in the spreading of hatred which is in turn breeding violence among people.

“I am taking this opportunity to urge members of the public to exercise restraint, patience and observe the rule of law at all times. They should desist from the acts of hooliganism,” said the police boss.