Police ban crowding at polling centres in primaries

Police in Mombasa have banned crowding of party supporters at polling stations during nominations.

County police commander Patterson Maelo said they will not allow voters to be escorted to the polling stations during the exercise.

“Security arrangements are in order and as a team we will not allow any groupings at the various polling stations. Everyone should go to the voting centre alone, cast the vote and leave,” Mr Maelo said during a press briefing at Uhuru na Kazi in Kizingo where he was with County Commissioner Evans Achoki.

HOTSPOTS
Mr Maelo said more police officers will be deployed to the polling stations to ensure there is order.

“We will also be on the lookout for those groups that will visit the centres while armed. We want to tell the aspirants who are contesting to give this information to their supporters,” Mr Maelo said.

Mr Achoki, who is also the county security committee chairman, said they have identified hots pots.

“We will put an eye in Changamwe, Nyali and Likoni. We know today we have ODM nominations and Jubilee will also do theirs.

"These are very popular parties, the stakes are very high and we believe that there will be high competition, but I want to ask the aspirants to restrain their supporters to ensure that they are orderly, peaceful and vote without intimidating others,” Mr Achoki pleaded.

ADDRESSING VIOLENCE
Mr Achoki further warned officers attached to politicians against misuse of firearms.

“No one is above the law and we are expecting everyone to follow laid down rules accordingly.

"And I wish to call upon residents of Mombasa who will be participating to be alert and report any person who will try to cause havoc during the exercise,” he said.
He further put on notice hatemongers saying the security committee has gadgets to capture what they say.