Police map out hot spots as Kenyans urged to stay calm

Security chiefs are on high alert ahead of Monday’s Saba Saba rally after mapping out hot spots in Nairobi and other parts of the country that have potential for violence.

Interior Principal Secretary Mutea Iringo said the government had rolled out all security machinery starting from the capital city to the counties to protect Kenyans as Cord prepared to hold its rally at Uhuru Park. On Saturday, the Opposition leaders were in Kisumu for one of the last meetings before the Saba Saba climax.

Speaking exclusively to the Sunday Nation, Mr Iringo said the government would pay special attention to Nairobi, the venue of the expected rally, and cautioned all county security commanders that they would be held personally responsible for chaos and destruction of property in their areas.

The PS said security personnel will also secure all major roads leading in and out of Nairobi.

“This is to ensure that there is a free flow of traffic in and out of Nairobi with emphasis on Lang’ata, Jogoo and Mombasa roads where we have deployed security to ensure that Kenyans go to work,” said Mr Iringo.

HOTSPOTS MARKED

He assured the country that the intelligence system was on high alert. Mr Iringo explained that the security machinery ranged from the National Security Council chaired by the President to the National Security Advisory Council down to the counties.

“These security measures are to ensure that Kenyans go about their business on Monday without being intimidated or harassed. There is no holiday. We want all Kenyans to avoid this rally because we anticipate trouble. However, we are ready for a full-house and are prepared for the worst-case scenario,” said Mr Iringo.

He added that Nairobi hotspots include the Central Business District, Dandora, Mathare, Mukuru, Kibera, Chokaa, Baba Dogo, Embakasi, Njiru and Kayole.

The same measures have been extended to Shanzu, Mishomoroni, Vikwatani, Kongowea market, Kiembeni and Majaoni in Mombasa.

He also singled out Naivasha, Nakuru and Kisumu as places on the watch list.

“In the last two days, we have had four security meetings in Naivasha and Nakuru. We have also deployed adequate security personnel to ensure that the residents are safe,” said Mr Iringo, referring to reports that some people were fleeing Naivasha for fear of being attacked.

Mr Iringo also cautioned primary and secondary school heads countrywide against hiring out their buses to transport people to the Saba Saba rally.

“We will take severe action against school heads who go against this directive,” said Mr Iringo.

He claimed that Cord had enlisted criminal gangs to destroy property and cause chaos countrywide and that police have detained seven people suspected of coordinating such activity.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga, however, claimed on Saturday that the government was planning to cause chaos during the rally.

But Mr Iringo told the Sunday Nation that Cord leaders were planning to stage-manage an attack and blame it on the government.

“They want to stage-manage chaos so that there is loss of life and blame it on the police. This will give them an impetus for subsequent events. It happened during ODM elections in Kasarani where they masterminded violence to end the elections,” said Mr Iringo.

MASS ACTION

He called on Cord leaders to obey the court order that outlawed calls for mass action and said that the Opposition chiefs would be held responsible for any deaths arising from the rally.

On Friday, Mr Justice Isaac Lenaola outlawed mass action in his court ruling. But Mr Odinga, in a letter to Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, interpreted this as participation “of the judiciary in suppression of civil liberties”.

On Saturday, Inspector-General of Police David Kimaiyo reiterated Mr Iringo’s message and maintained Kenyans should feel safe wherever they were. 

“We are telling the residents of these areas (hot spots) and the entire country that nobody should be made to relocate out of fear of violence,” he said.

Mr Kimaiyo added: “I believe that since the Cord leaders have committed to a peaceful rally, they will uphold that in action and spirit. In any case, the High Court has also already bound them.”

Mr Kimaiyo outlined the expectations of security agencies during the rally.

First, it should start at 10 a.m. and conclude by 5 p.m. after which people should disperse peacefully.

“As people come to the venue, there will be controlled entry. All persons will be searched and screened to guarantee that they do not enter the venue with any weapons,” he said.

Cord leaders should also ensure that the rally is conducted in a civil, respectful and patriotic manner, he added.

“The listed speakers should steer away from hate speech, incitement and sentiments which can and will polarise people,” said Mr Kimaiyo.

He warned that any attempts at acts that threaten the rule of law after the rally would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The police boss said the rally was a one-day event and cautioned against further protests.

“After the rally, people should restrict themselves from any attempts to loot, steal or cause any malicious damage to property,” the IG cautioned.

He said the police service has put in place measures to ensure that there is sufficient security in Nairobi, its environs and across the country.

However, he declined to give the exact figure of security officers to be deployed.

Last week, media reports indicated that 15,000 officers would provide security at the Uhuru Park rally and around the city.

In Mombasa, Kisauni district security chief Tom Anjere said patrols would be intensified.

“We are not worried about numbers any more since more officers have been sent here with enough equipment such as patrol boats, motorcycles, vehicles and sniffer dogs. We are in control,” he said.

Some Kenyans have been relocating from parts of Nairobi, Naivasha, Nakuru, Kisumu and Mombasa fearing that violence could break out during or after the rally.

Mr Kimaiyo called on those relocating to instead report to the nearest police station.

“It is criminal to threaten others or direct any form of attack, verbal or otherwise, to others. This can and will lead to serious consequences by law,” he said.

VEHICLES HEAVILY BOOKED

On Saturday, public service vehicles plying different upcountry routes from Nairobi were heavily booked, with some raising fares.

A spot check in Nairobi indicated that Transline buses, which operate the Nairobi-Kisii-Nyamira route, were fully booked.

At the Country Bus Station, the scenario was the same. Some of those who spoke to the Sunday Nation said they had decided to travel to their rural areas because of fear that the rally might trigger violence.

“I had to go, this thing (rally) has brought a lot of tension. I asked for sick leave and will stay at home until calm returns,” Mr Joram Ondieki told the Sunday Nation as he boarded a vehicle home.

In Naivasha, Nakuru deputy county commissioner Abraham Kemboi said the situation was “calm” despite some of the locals preferring to leave.

“We are yet to experience any act of violence. Some of the residents are only fearful but there is absolutely no cause for alarm,” he said.

Gilgil MP Mathenge Ndiritu also assured residents of their safety ahead of the rally.

He said security agents were on alert and would be patrolling the sub-county ahead of the rally.

Additional reporting by Samwel Born Maina, Macharia Mwangi and Winnie Atieno