2022 polls: Police warn politicians against misusing roads

By , May 31, 2022

Kisii Central Sub-county Police Commander, Peter Kimani has appealed to candidates for elective seats to shun conducting rallies on roads, saying it causes traffic snarl-ups and inconveniences other road users.

He said some candidates with long caravans were fond of holding the rallies in the middle of the roads and caused congestion, which affected other unsuspecting people.

A Kenyan police vehicle. PHOTO/Courtesy
A Kenyan police vehicle. PHOTO/Courtesy

The Commander appealed to the candidates to conduct their campaigns in markets and ensure they end their campaigns by 6 p.m as required by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission ( IEBC)

Police ready to offer security

“Do not hamper the free flow of traffic. Conduct campaigns in markets. Police officers are prepared to offer security” Kimani said at Kisii county cultural hall during a peace meeting for Kisii Central sub-county stakeholders ahead of the August 9 general election.

He implored the candidates to avoid hate speech and instead sell their policies to voters, adding the government has deplored undercover officers to monitor the speech and take action against hate mongers.

Kimani, flanked by Kisii Central Deputy County Commissioner, Wilberforce Kilonzo said security officers will not allow the candidates to campaign beyond the stipulated time.

Eric Obino, Nyaribari Chache KANU parliamentary candidate, appealed to other candidates to embrace peaceful campaigns, elections and after the announcement of results.

The candidate challenged other leaders to embrace peace so that their supporters can emulate them, stressing that peace starts with leaders and it is upon them to perpetuate it.

Politicians for peace

He said some politicians have mobilized the social media youth army who were engaged in hate speech, adding they should be tamed and reminded that they will face the law.

“ It is upon leaders to moderate campaigns, stop using abusive language and stop bringing false accusations against other candidates through social media. Let us use those platforms to sell our agendas” Obino, who attended the peace meeting, told the press.

Police in Kisii wants organized campaigns as has been the advice of IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati. PHOTO/Courtesy
IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati at a past press briefing. PHOTO/File

 “It is upon us as leaders to moderate the campaigns and to stop bringing false accusations against other aspirants including abusive language” Obino, who attended the peace meeting said.

He appealed to the leaders to use the social media platforms to sell their agenda and implored the candidates to embrace peaceful campaigns.

The candidate, flanked by Ibeno Ward Aspirant, Stephen Arika urged investigative agencies to take action against people who peddle rumours and spread propaganda which can destabilize peace in the area.

 “We should give relevant agencies time and space to conduct their probes. I urge them to involve us and tell us their findings. Propaganda in politics is caused by misinformation,” Obino stated.

Arika, who is vying through the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Party, appealed to the candidates to campaign away from schools to avoid disturbing children.

He implored the leaders to shun playing loud music near learning Institutions, saying it will affect learning in the institutions.

Notably, IEBC is currently clearing presidential aspirants for the August polls at the Bomas of Kenya. The voter verification exercise is also ongoing ahead of the polls.

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