Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has assured Kenyans that the upcoming August 9th General Election will be adequately secured on account of the elaborate and collaborative early planning by various security agencies.

Speaking on Wednesday after a meeting with national and regional security chiefs, Dr. Matiang’i said intelligence reports indicated the country was generally peaceful amid the campaign season apart from isolated cases of active criminal gangs in the North Rift and some parts of Nyanza and Central Kenya that were being dealt with.

“We are very alert. If we detect any activity that is akin to trying to resuscitate, create or revive any form of gang activity, we will act with very serious resolve. We will be merciless; we will be ruthless,” the CS said.

CS Matiang'i orders non-locals within Laikipia security operation zone to leave immediatelyHe warned leaders against unlawful mobilization and incitement of their supporters under the guise of political campaigns.

The CS was speaking after the second last of the planned National Security Assessment Session where the eight regional security teams briefed on their preparedness to secure the August poll and the plans for relevant contingencies.

National and regional security chiefs have gathered in Nairobi for the final touches of operation and deployment plans for the general elections.

The regional security teams have been holding regular engagements with election officials and have drawn up relevant responses including simulations on effective crowd management.

The CS said security agencies have been adequately resourced to support the IEBC deliver peaceful and credible polls.

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He further pointed out that polling stations have also been reviewed jointly with the IEBC and appropriate resources made available based on the accessibility and security needs for the delivery of election materials.

“None of our security teams from the regions has reported any problem or any breakdown of communication between them and the Commission. Now, we are moving to the last stage of final preparations of movement of election materials and IEBC officials on August 9.”

The security committees, which are chaired by Regional Commissioners, will hold the final review and assessment meeting at the end of the month.

Also present at the meeting was Interior PS Karanja Kibicho, Inspector General of Police, Hilary Mutyambai, all Regional Commissioners and all the Regional bosses of the Kenya Police, National Police, Administration Police and the National Intelligence Service.