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Roundup: Kenya unveils measures to boost security during August polls

Xinhua, May 9, 2017 Adjust font size:

The Kenyan government on Tuesday launched new measures to enhance security during the August general polls that are expected to be competitive.

Officials said the electoral body, national police service and the judiciary vowed to collaborate to enforce elaborate measures that guarantee a safe and secure electoral process.

Wafula Chebukati, the Chairman of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) said robust vigilance will be prioritized during the campaign season, voting, tallying and announcement of results to avert breaches that may compromise national security.

"As a commission, we are prepared to deliver fair, peaceful and free elections on August 8 and will collaborate with sister agencies to ensure security is maintained throughout the electoral cycle," Chebukati said.

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has supported development and implementation of the new security guidelines to ensure Kenya conduct peaceful and credible polls in August.

Chebukati said the government has put adequate measures in place to ensure electoral related violence that occurred in 2007 to 2008 does not recur.

"We have not only put in place adequate safeguards to guarantee free and fair polls but are also prepared to deal firmly with electoral violence," said Chebukati.

Kenya's electoral body and its partners have developed a handbook that will be used by judicial and security apparatus to oversee August polls.

Chebukati said the handbook offers guidelines on how to detect and prosecute electoral offences alongside resolving disputes that may arise from contested results.

"Successful preparations and management of elections must integrate security as a key pillar," said Chebukati, adding that training of security officers to oversee August polls commences this week.

Kenyan security personnel will be on the lookout during the entire electoral cycle to prevent eruption of violence and other threats to civil order.

The Inspector General of Police, Joseph Boinnet said that security apparatus are working closely with the electoral body, political parties and the public to facilitate peaceful voting in August.

"There is a multi agency taskforce already in place to foster peaceful campaigns and general election. Acts of violence will be nipped in the bud," said Boinnet.

Kenyans head to the polls on August 8 to elect a president, lawmakers and county executives.

The electoral agency has already gazetted names of aspirants to vie for elective posts.

At the same time, the electoral body has announced the official campaign period commences on May 28 and ends on Aug. 6. Endit