The national government is committed to ensuring that the August 9 general election is held in a free, fair and hitch-free environment.
Kwale County Commissioner (CC) Gideon Oyagi says the security agencies will remain vigilant and prevent voter intimidation and disenfranchisement in the forthcoming election.
Oyagi said the government is out to ensure that electorates exercise their democratic right to vote in a ‘safe and secure environment’.
He also called on residents of the coastal county to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements and individuals to security agencies for investigation and action.
The county administrator promised to provide security before, during and after elections and advised residents to be vigilant against illegal groups and rogue politicians.
Speaking at a public forum in Kwale town, Oyagi said the government is out to guarantee a safe, secure and transparent election process where Kenyans will be the ultimate winners.
Oyagi who is also the Chairman of the County Security and Intelligence Committee (CSIC) has assured political parties and their candidates of a peaceful atmosphere for them to conduct their political activities without any hindrance.
The county chief however warned politicians to adhere to the laws and regulations governing their conduct and avoid any breach of peace in the region.
“Peaceful and credible elections are essential for democracy to thrive and that is what we expect from all the stakeholders from both the private and public sectors,” he said.
Oyagi urged politicians to uphold peaceful campaigns and not to let politics be the source of division among the people.
He said the government has unveiled national, regional, county and sub county multi-sectoral coordination and collaboration forums on election preparedness with key stakeholders to develop strategies, systems and structures for the conduct of free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections.
On his part Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya has called for a peaceful, free and exemplary electoral exercise.
Mvurya advised residents to vote wisely in the forthcoming election by choosing leaders who have visions to take the county and country to greater heights.
“Tribal, religious, gender and political differences should not be used to divide the people rather they should be reasons to unite us all,” he said.
He went on: “we expect all eligible voters to come out and exercise their right to vote in a fair, orderly and peaceful manner”.
Mvurya who is serving his second and final term further asked political aspirants not to spread propaganda and use social media platforms wisely by preaching peace on the campaign trail.
The outgoing county boss called on voters to reject tribal perpetrators on August 9 because they will divide the county.
He said he has worked hard for the last decade to bring Kwale people together and aspirants dangling tribal baits to get into leadership must be rejected at the ballot.
By Hussein Abdullahi
