Kimaiyo warns against electoral violence

Written By:Antony Kaikai/KNA,    Posted: Mon, Jan 21, 2013

Kisumu and Nyando residents took to streets protest alleged fraud in ODM primaries (file) The Inspector General of Police, David Kimaiyo, has warned of stern action to anyone found inciting people to violence. Kimaiyo termed the recent spate of violence during the nomination exercise in Kibera and other parts of the country as unacceptable and vowed that the police will crack down on those involved. Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi, Kimaiyo warned of the threat posed by violence to peace, especially at this time that the country is about to hold the general elections. The Inspector General called on political parties to speedily resolve disputes related to the nominations exercise in order to ease tension among the supporters of the aspirants.  He said intelligence officers are closely monitoring the social media for any information that could amount to hate speech. Impose leaders Elsewhere, the Nyanza provincial security team is urging the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party top brass move with speed and clear the air on outcome of the party's nominations in the province. Nyanza PC Francis Mutie at the same time said that the outcome should reflect the wish of the people so as to stem further violence. Speaking at his office, the PC challenged the ODM top brass and National Elections Board to be fair to the electorate and not impose leadership on the electorate. "We are on the ground and know who the people voted for and nobody should impose leadership on the electorate since this can be a precursor to violence as witnessed after the 2007 General Elections" he said The PC, who is also the chairman of the provincial security team, however said security agents were on high alert and warned that anybody found engaging in any acts of violence will be dealt with firmly. "We are prepared for any eventuality and   firm action will be taken against anybody found breaking the law" he added. Flanked by the Nyanza Provincial Police Boss, Joseph Ole Tito, Mutie also challenged immediate former MPs who may have been defeated in the nomination exercise to concede defeat and accept the verdict of the people.