Voter Bribery and Mobilization of Rented Crowds Are the Main Challenges Ahead of the August Elections: Matiang’i

Appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and National Security at parliament on Tuesday the CS has warned that no one will be spared in the crackdown process on perpetrators of political violence.

The country is in a political mood with only 124 days to the general elections, with the security details in the country on high alert over two key election malpractices that might trigger political violence during or after the polls.  

“The greatest danger and challenges we face as a country during this electoral cycle is the phenomenon of voter bribery and renting of crowds. There’s a feature that is emerging, and we have traced it across the country, where politicians are spending money to pay youths, move huge groups of people at night,” Matiang’i said

“If it doesn’t stop, as we move along towards the election, the clashes will intensify. So, it’s upon us, as leaders, to decide how we’re going to conduct ourselves.” He added.

Addressing the issue of the chopper attack of Azimio Presidential flagbearer attack In Uasin Gishu County, the CS has said that the incidence is an example of premeditated pre-election violence, warning politicians against fanning violence during party primaries and the August elections.

“None of us is above the law, not even me the minister for security. We always have to act strictly according to the law. And fortunately, we’re a country that is governed by laws,” the CS stated.

The CS also confirmed about the security measures in several parts of the country that are facing bandit attacks such as Marsabit, Laikipia, Baringo and Samburu counties which he attributed the insecurities to political interferences adding that the security operations will ne extended for at least a month.