No demos, Matiang’i says as campaigns end

Law enforcement agencies under the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) have been directed not to allow demonstrations that do not comply with the Public Order Act.

Speaking to the group yesterday, Acting Interior Cabinet secretary Fred Matiang’i also said political factions that will hold campaign meetings beyond yesterday evening’s stipulated deadline as guided by the electoral body will be deemed illegal. Matiang’i gave the directive to Regional and County Commissioners even as the National Super Alliance (Nasa) plans to resume nationwide protests today.

“The official campaign period ends today. Anybody who will organise campaign meetings tomorrow (today) that is illegal. We will resist attempt to bring disorder in the country.

As the chairmen of the regional and county security and intelligence committees, you must ensure demonstration notices must be in accordance with the Public Order Act.

We have got you back from the ministry headquarters to ensure the law is followed.” said Matiang’i. The CS said the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) met the National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC) last week and presented their cases, which a multi-agency team is ready to support.“We are going to support the IEBC to obey that court order by the Supreme Court to conduct elections as provided for in the Constitution. Our role is to facilitate IEBC to conduct successful election without fear or favour.

That is our mandate. We do not organise elections. We are ready to provide what they requested,” said NSAC. At the same time, the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet said they have already mapped out the country to assess the security threats and deployed officers and other assets adequately. The police chief affirmed commitment to deliver a peaceful election.

“We have done thorough mapping of our country and deployed our assets depending on our assessment of security threats. Also, after Thursday, we will be ready to support the Kenya National Examinations Council to ensure our children are afforded necessary environment to sit for their exams,” said Boinnet. Eight Regional Commissioners and 47 County Commissioners were present during yesterday’s whole day closed-door security meeting.