Coast leaders call for poll boycott as Marwa issues stern warning

Kilifi County Governor Amason Kingi who was accompanied by NASA leaders from across the County including senator Madzayo address locals at Madunguni village as he campaigned against fresh presidential elections scheduled for this Thursday where he urged them not to vote, October 23, 2017. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Coast Opposition leaders have rallied their supporters to stay away from today’s presidential poll, terming it 'flawed and illegitimate'.

In Mombasa, National Super Alliance (NASA) leaders, led by Deputy Governor William Kingi, called for a total boycott of the repeat presidential poll.

And a demonstration planned by NASA leaders in Mwatate town, Taita Taveta County on Wednesday was postponed at the eleventh hour.

NASA leaders had planned to demonstrate at the Taita Taveta county tallying centre in the town but instead said they would stage the demonstration in Voi town to urge Opposition supporters to boycott the elections.

Coast Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa on Wednesday announced the arrest of five people he claimed were plotting violence in Mombasa.

Speaking to the media in his office, Mr Marwa assured all Coast residents that elections would be held as planned today.

The five, according to Marwa, were found with 'crude weapons'.

He said the security of voters and Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) staff has been beefed up.

"We shall not allow any kind of disruptions, including demonstrations,’’ Marwa said.

[Story by Patrick Beja, Renson Mnyamwezi and Philip Mwakio]