Matiang'i: Intelligence reports show country is peaceful ahead of 2022 General Election

Interior CS Fred Matiang'i addressing media after meeting security committees. [Fred Kagonye, Standard]

Interior CS Fred Matiang’i says the country has been peaceful during campaigns save for isolated cases of active criminal gangs in some parts of Nyanza, North Rift and Central.

This comes days after he spearheaded a security operation in Nakuru County following the rise of a criminal gang that has been attacking and killing women in their homes.

Speaking shortly after chairing the second last National Security Assessment meeting before the August 9 polls, the CS said intelligence reports indicated that the country was peaceful.

“We are very alert. If we detect any activity that is akin to trying to resuscitate, create or revive any form of gang activity, we will act with very serious resolve. We will be merciless; we will be ruthless,” the CS said.

Additionally, CS Matiang’i has warned leaders against unlawful mobilisation and incitement of their supporters during political campaigns.

“We urge all political players to conduct themselves lawfully. They should not be tempted by anything to resort to either reviving or trying to create gangs to intimidate opponents or interfere with the electoral process,” he added.

According to CS Matiang’i, security agencies have been adequately resourced to support the IEBC deliver peaceful and credible polls.

He reiterated that polling stations have also been reviewed jointly with the IEBC and appropriate resources made available based on the accessibility and security needs for the delivery of election materials.

“None of our security teams from the regions has reported any problem or any breakdown of communication between them and the Commission. Now, we are moving to the last stage of final preparations of movement of election materials and IEBC officials on August 9.”

The meeting brought together the eight regional security teams, Interior PS Karanja Kibicho, Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai and the National Intelligence Service officers.

The committees will hold the final review and assessment meeting at the end of the month [July].