Nakuru police dismiss Senator Kihika’s violence plan claim

Ballot boxes and other election materials at Moi Secondary School, Nakuru. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Police have dismissed Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika’s claims that there are plans to disrupt the London and Hell’s Gate Ward by-elections tomorrow.

In a letter to the Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai, Kihika alleged that the ruling Jubilee party intended to use the police to block supporters of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidates from casting their ballots.

"In an elaborate plan, Nakuru West OCPD Samson Gathuku has been instructed to threaten, blockade, and curtail the movement of UDA supporters on the voting day," Kihika wrote.

But in a quick rejoinder, Mr. Gathuku, the sub-county Police Commander, denied the allegations saying that the police were a neutral party in the exercise and will give equal protection to all voters.

Gathuku challenged Senator Kihika to produce evidence of the allegations and move to court adding that the police are not above the law.