Administration agencies lay out polls peace initiatives in Kisumu

Kisumu county security agencies have rolled out various initiatives geared towards enhancing peace during the August General Election.

Kisumu Central sub-county police commander Antony Maina says they have put in robust measures to ensure the city remains safe as the country gears for the polls.

“We have a very strong engagement with the community, state actors, national government administration officers, religious organisations and we have conducted police reinforcement which will help maintain peace in the city,” he said.

He further said they are mapping out hotspots including Kondele, Nyalenda and Obunga estates and they have also put in place early warning mechanisms as part of the measures to curb violence during elections. Maina said they have incorporated boda bodas, matatus and tuk-tuk operators owing to their influence and a large number of youths working in the sector.

“We are working closely with the youths within various sectors who will mobilize other citizens in promoting peace,” he said. Additionally, he pointed out enhancement of some of the wananchi forums such as Mulika Uhalifu Initiative which enables citizens to survey and report violent cases that happen within the community.