Security chiefs warn politicians over KDF rigging claim

Security agencies during a joint simulation exercise on security preparedness at Embakasi Garrison in Nairobi on June 23, 2017. Cabinet secretaries Raychelle Omamo and Joseph Nkaissery, and Chief of Defence Forces Samson Mwathethe attended the event. PHOTO | FRED MUKINDA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will remain "apolitical" in the August 8 General Election, security chiefs have said.

Cabinet secretaries Raychelle Omamo (Defence) and Joseph Nkaissery (Interior) and Chief of Defence Forces Samson Mwathethe spoke with one voice and warned that the military should not be dragged into election contests.

National Super Alliance presidential candidate Raila Odinga has accused the ruling Jubilee party of planning to use the military, police and National Intelligence Service to rig the August 8 general election.

Security personnel respond to a mock riot during joint exercises on security preparedness at Embakasi Garrison in Nairobi on June 23, 2017. PHOTO | FRED MUKINDA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

He alleged military officers are being trained to man the polls as officials.

"KDF will, as always, remain apolitical during the electoral process. They will discharge their mandate without fear, favour or ill will. KDF will not run in the face of intimidation from any quarter," Ms Omamo said.

General Mwathethe said the personnel under him would meet the expectations of all Kenyans before, during and after elections.

Mr Nkaissery said members of the military are trained to be brave and therefore would not be intimidated by anybody while discharging their constitutional mandate.

They spoke at the end of joint training by security agencies at Embakasi Garrison.