County makes efforts to keep chaos at bay

Nakuru Deputy County Commissioner Hassan Omar Salat (left) participates in a peace walk in Nakuru town on July 15, 2017. Residents were urged to be civil during elections. PHOTO | JOHN NJOROGE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Deputy County Commissioner Omar Salat urged all politicians to "feel free and safe" to hold rallies.
  • He said major stakeholders have been involved in the efforts to create a conducive environment.

Security agencies in Nakuru County have assured politicians of their safety during campaigns, as the country readies for next month's elections.

Deputy County Commissioner Omar Salat urged all politicians to "feel free and safe" to hold rallies in the region.

TOLERANCE

Mr Salat said the county has put up measures that will prevent incidents of disorder like the ones witnessed in Kisumu, Baringo, and Kiambu from occurring.

Nasa leader Raila Odinga had to cut short his speech in Kabarnet and Kiambu after facing hostility from the crowd; while Deputy President William Ruto was heckled in Kisumu.

Addressing locals after participating in a peace walk in Nakuru town, the deputy county commissioner condemned any behaviour that might disrupt harmony.

Residents of Nakuru County participate in a peace walk in Nakuru town on July 15, 2017. PHOTO | JOHN NJOROGE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

COOPERATION

He said major stakeholders have been involved in the efforts to create a conducive environment.

"Apart from beefing up security, we have also met various peace stakeholders including the youth, religious leaders and community elders and agreed on various issues regarding political intolerance.

"So far we have seen positive results from the cooperation," Mr Salat said.

PEACE
More than five organisations participated in the awareness activity.

They include Mercy Corps, Jihusishe na Amani, Zuia Noma, Mulika Uhalifu and the national steering peace committee.

Residents of Nakuru County participate in a peace walk in Nakuru town on July 15, 2017. PHOTO | JOHN NJOROGE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

They urged the residents to maintain peace throughout the electioneering period.

VIOLENCE
The county was heavily affected by the 2007/2008 post-election violence.

The deputy divisional police commander Daniel Kitavi said police will ensure that violence does not recur.