Govt defends presence of police in Rift Valley

Written By:Margaret Kalekye/KNA , Posted: Mon, Aug 02, 2010


The government has clarified that the heavy presence of security officers in Rift Valley is not in anticipation of chaos during and after the referendum.

Addressing the press in his office on Monday, Rift Valley deputy provincial commissioner Wanyama Musiambo allayed fears that the security officers had been deployed in the region to scare away voters.

Wanyama said the number of officers deployed was commensurate with the number of polling stations, adding that some officers were only conducting regular patrols in an effort to maintain security during and after the vote.

He said they were not anticipating any incidents of insecurity, noting that there was an overwhelming support by all peace stakeholders in the area to maintain peace.

Wanyama said members of the provincial administration had been involved in aggressive campaigns with peace committees at the grassroots levels, noting that there was every indication that the residents would accept the peoples' verdict after the vote.

He clarified that the existing security machineries would not fade away after August 4, saying they were the usual officers who man security issues in the region.

Residents of Eldoret have lately expressed concern over the big number of security officers, saying they would be used to scare away voters from polling at various polling stations where ‘NO' seems to be having a high following.

Wanyama has appealed to wananchi to turn out in large numbers and cast their vote, saying it was their democratic right to participate in shaping the future of this country. He called on the resident to accept the outcome of the vote and continue peaceful co-existence with one another.

Residents in the area are living in fear after leaflets threatening members of some communities were circulated

Last week, Retired President Moi said the Government is creating unnecessary tension in Rift Valley by deploying security officers to the region.