NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Police Service (NPS) has assured the public of its preparedness to maintain peace and security during the upcoming by-elections, outlining a detailed strategy developed in partnership with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
In a statement on Thursday, November 13, the NPS said the multi-faceted security plan is designed to ensure a free, fair, and credible electoral process.
“The National Police Service wishes to assure the public and all stakeholders of its comprehensive preparedness and unwavering commitment to providing adequate security before, during, and after the upcoming by-elections,” the statement read.
The service urged political candidates and their supporters to conduct campaigns peacefully and warned that any unlawful actions, including violence, incitement, hate speech, or destruction of property, would attract firm legal consequences.
“The NPS calls upon all political candidates, their supporters, and agents to conduct their campaigns peacefully, responsibly, and in strict adherence to the law. Politicians are urged to promote peace and tolerance,” the statement added.
The assurances come a day after former DP Rigathi Gachagua wrote to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, raising concerns over alleged threats ahead of the November 27 Mbeere North Constituency by-election.
In his letter dated Wednesday, November 12, Gachagua highlighted social media videos purportedly showing individuals issuing threats against him and local residents during his campaign for a preferred candidate from November 16 to 24.
He named Simon Njagi Njiru (alias Gitundu wa Gitundu), Josiah Kariuki Ngari (alias Mtetezi Puff), and Susan Nyaga as some of the individuals involved.
“Despite the evidence and information in your custody, the above persons have not been arraigned. We demand that ahead of the by-elections, these individuals must be arrested immediately, arraigned, and charged under the penal code,” Gachagua wrote.
He further alleged that the individuals in the videos are closely linked to senior government officials, specifically naming Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku.
Gachagua urged the Inspector General to uphold citizens’ rights to a peaceful election, noting that he has credible intelligence that state-sponsored operatives harassing him and his supporters have been mobilized ahead of his arrival.
“It will go down in history that you are the only IG in Kenya to have presided over epochs and a total breakdown of the rule of law in Kenya. A criminal charade has taken a toll on Kenyans; no one feels safe in our cities or villages, as you watch and enjoy full information and power to stop the mess,” Gachagua stated.
He reaffirmed his constitutional right to campaign and warned that any attempts to disrupt the electoral process in Mbeere North would be unacceptable to the people of Kenya.
