Police Responds to Gachagua’s Allegations, Assures Fairness Ahead of By-Elections
The National Police Service (NPS) has strongly dismissed claims of political bias as the country gears up for the upcoming by-elections, saying it remains committed to fairness and public safety despite a few incidents reported during campaign rallies.
In a statement released on Thursday, November 13, the NPS assured Kenyans that it is neutral and fully focused on its constitutional duty to protect lives and maintain peace across the nation.
The statement followed recent accusations by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who alleged that the police were favoring certain political groups ahead of the polls.
The police reaffirmed that they have prepared a comprehensive security plan in partnership with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure that the by-elections, scheduled for November 27, are conducted smoothly and without disruption.
“The National Police Service remains neutral and fully dedicated to its role of maintaining law and order. We serve all Kenyans equally and are committed to ensuring that the electoral process is peaceful and transparent,” the NPS said.
The statement further cautioned politicians and their supporters to refrain from incitement, violence, or hate speech, emphasizing that such offenses will attract serious legal action.
“We will not tolerate any form of lawlessness, including violence, hate speech, or destruction of property. Politicians must lead by example by preaching peace and tolerance. Any unlawful acts will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law,” the police added.
Gachagua’s Claims Against the Police
The NPS statement came just a day after Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua made explosive claims accusing Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja of being biased.
Gachagua alleged that the police were favoring certain political sides ahead of his planned campaign tour in Mbeere North, where he intends to support an opposition candidate in the by-election.
Speaking on Wednesday, November 12, Gachagua called on the Inspector General to arrest a group of individuals who appeared in a viral video threatening him.
He said the threats were a clear attempt to intimidate him and disrupt his campaign activities.
The former Deputy President, who is set to begin his four-day campaign tour of Mbeere North on November 16, appealed to the authorities to guarantee equal treatment for all candidates and ensure that the elections are free, fair, and credible.
Meanwhile, the police urged Kenyans to remain calm and exercise their democratic right to vote peacefully.
The service encouraged citizens to report any suspicious behavior, acts of incitement, or violence to the nearest police station or through its toll-free hotlines.
IEBC Issues New Guidelines for By-Elections
As preparations continue for the November 27 mini-polls, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has rolled out new campaign regulations to maintain order during the election period.
According to the IEBC, all campaign activities will strictly take place between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily, beginning from Wednesday, October 8, until the final day of campaigning.
The electoral body also issued guidelines for those planning to run as independent candidates, requiring them to obtain clearance certificates from the Registrar of Political Parties.
The certificate must confirm that the candidate has not been a registered member of any political party for at least three months before the by-election date. This rule aims to uphold transparency and prevent conflicts of interest among aspirants.
As the by-elections draw closer, both the police and the electoral body have called for political maturity, peace, and cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure that the vote reflects the true will of the people.
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