NAIROBI, Kenya — Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured the country of heightened security and strict enforcement measures ahead of Wednesday’s by-elections, warning aspirants against deploying groups to intimidate opponents as voters prepare to head to the polls.
Speaking on Wednesday after touring Kasipul to assess security preparedness, Murkomen said the government—through the National Police Service (NPS)—had put in place comprehensive measures to guarantee peaceful and credible mini-polls across all affected regions.
He emphasized that maintaining order was a constitutional obligation that the State would not compromise.
“We are fully prepared to ensure that tomorrow’s by-elections across the country will be peaceful and that Kenyans are accorded a conducive environment to exercise their constitutional rights,” Murkomen said.
The CS reiterated that no civilian entity or political group has the authority to secure or protect votes, a mandate exclusively vested in the NPS under the Constitution and the Elections Act. He issued a stern warning to candidates allegedly hiring or coordinating groups to intimidate voters or rival camps.
“We will not tolerate aspirants deploying groups to intimidate their opponents. Let it be clearly understood, no civilian has the mandate to protect votes. That responsibility lies with the National Police Service,” he said.
Murkomen further revealed that the government had withdrawn police officers found to be engaging in criminal activities, particularly those linked to VIPs. He noted that this move was meant to streamline accountability within the Service and ensure that only disciplined officers participate in election duties.
“We have taken decisive measures to strengthen accountability within the Service, including the withdrawal of officers found to be involved in criminal activities. This ensures that only those committed to duty work during this critical exercise,” he said.
“Protecting Votes.” Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen had issued a tough warning ahead of tomorrow’s by elections.Murkomen says police will not tolerate groups hovering around polling stations in the name of protecting votes.He says civilians have no mandate to protect votes.
His remarks come amid growing public scrutiny of security preparedness following allegations of voter bribery and intimidation in various constituencies—claims the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has said will only be investigated upon formal complaint.
Murkomen encouraged aspirants and the IEBC to uphold democratic principles during the polls, urging voters to exercise patience and ensure peaceful participation.
“To all aspirants, IEBC and the voters, we wish you well. May this election reflect the values of democracy that define us as a nation,” he said.
The by-elections, scheduled for November 27, will test the government’s capacity to maintain order amid rising political tensions and concerns over electoral malpractice. Authorities say they expect a smooth process, with security agencies deployed to deter violence, intimidation, and bribery across polling stations.
