Kisii aspirants told to shun road-side rallies

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 inconveniencing other 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.

The commander appealed to the candidates to conduct their campaigns in markets and ensure campaigns end by 6 pm as required by the law.

“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 meeting for Kisii Central sub-county stakeholders ahead of the 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 said security officers will not allow candidates to campaign beyond stipulated time.

Eric Obino, Nyaribari Chache Kanu parliamentary candidate, appealed to other candidates to embrace peaceful campaigns, election 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.

In Nairobi, Matatu stakeholders have called on  the leading presidential candidates to address issues of harassment by police.  Chairman of the Matatu Drivers and Conductors Association Workers Clement Kahenya Njuguna said  yesterday police hold hundreds of their members incommunicado over trumped up allegations.

“We call on Azimio candidate Raila Odinga and William Ruto to address the issue,” said Njuguna.