The government has heightened security ahead of Thursday’s Mbeere North by-election to prevent any attempts to disrupt the polls, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said.
In a thinly veiled swipe at his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua, the DP warned that anyone attempting to instigate violence in the constituency would face the full force of the law, assuring residents that the polls would proceed peacefully.
Speaking on Monday during the final day of campaigns, where he drummed up support for UDA candidate Leonard Wamuthende Leo at Karerema and Gitiburi grounds, Prof Kindiki said the government would ensure the safety of all voters.
“The government will not allow goons to take over or wananchi to be threatened not to vote by those who fear they will lose. There will be voting, and the exercise will proceed in peace,” he said.
He added that all Kenyans must be able to exercise their right to choose their leaders without intimidation, warning of dire consequences for those planning chaos.
“The government will do whatever it takes to protect you to and from the polling stations across the constituency. Nobody is supposed to threaten you or stop you from exercising your democratic right,” he said.
The Deputy President urged residents to turn out in large numbers and vote, appealing to them to back Mr Leo, whom he said had a clear development agenda for the constituency.
