National Police Service (NPS) is on the spot over its role in the recently concluded by elections in Kenya.
At a meeting held by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to review the electoral process, the police were put on the spot.
Incidents of violence and arsons were reported in the hotly contested polls in Mbeere North, Malava and Kasipul Constituencies.
Political parties representatives and candidates highlighted numerous incidents that pointed to police inaction during the mini-polls.
“When police officers walk side by side with goons, it shows someone is being favoured. Security must be provided fairly,” lamented opposition politician Omingo Magara.
So far the NPS says it has only arrested seven individuals in connection with the violence that marred the credibility of the polls.
”The head of the goons we saw during the by elections was the police,” said DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala.
Kabuchai Chwele MCA elect, Eric Wekesa also narrated his ordeal during the polls.
“I was beaten in the presence of an OCPD. I had to vote in a police vehicle because of the goons,” he claimed.
According to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, the service was however committed to ensuring that electoral processes are smooth.
”The issue of goons and political thuggery is an issue we will not allow. There are direct instructions from me on how to deal with the goons,” said Kanja.
Elections Observers groups in their reports have decried the widespread violence during the process. They have documented instances of police looking away as goons ran amok in poling stations.
”If 22 by elections can have the violence we saw, what about the 1882 electoral positions in 2027?” Asked Mule Musau, National Coordinator ELOG.