Government enhances security to deal with chaos during repeat election

President Uhuru Kenyatta: He says security enhanced and appropriately deployed ahead of repeat presidential poll

NAIROBI, KENYA:

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday has warned those planning to disrupt October 26 repeat poll of consequences.

Addressing the nation during Mashujaa Day from Uhuru Park, Nairobi,  he said his administration had enhanced and deployed security personnel appropriately across the country to counter any threat during the day.

“There are those who are planning to vote and those planning to boycott, let us all respect the rights of each other to overcome period that has become a nightmare to the country, Kenya is bigger than individuals and we need to move forward,” he said.

President Uhuru warned those threatening the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) staff of unspecified consequences saying such acts will not be tolerated.

“Kenyans have a right to demonstrate as captured in our constitution but the protests must be conducted within the law,” he added.

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s sentiments targeted the National Super Alliance Coalition which has called for peaceful protests on the election day later next week.

NASA leader Raila Odinga has called for countrywide anti- IEBC demonstrations on October 26 - the date of repeat presidential election.

Meanwhile, Kenyans turned out in large numbers to mark this year’s Mashujaa Day in Nairobi with President Uhuru promising to establish a council to take care of heroes’ interest.

The President also announced that the government had set aside Sh25bn for free secondary school education which starts January 2018.