Candidates warned on car number plates

By Sammy Jakaa

KENYA: Police have raised alarm over politicians using foreign-registered vehicles during campaigns.

Teso North Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Elphas Korir said there has been an influx of such vehicles in Kenya since campaigns kicked off, adding it was a security threat in counties along the border.

He said most vehicles with foreign numbers could easily be used to execute illegal political activities as their details are not with the Kenya Registrar of Motor Vehicles.

Mr Korir said during the recent party primaries, Ugandan and South Sudan registered vehicles were used by politicians to ferry foreigners to participate in the exercise. He raised concerns that the same vehicles may be used to ferry hooligans to cause chaos during elections.

No trace

“The Registrar of Motor Vehicles does not have details of such vehicles and if they are used to commit crime, it would be difficult to trace the owners. We saw these vehicles being used during party nominations to ferry foreigners,” said Korir.

He further warned people with foreign registered vehicles, which are in the country illegally, that they would be impounded.

The OCPD directed Malaba traffic base commander Kipkosgei Bii to launch a major crackdown.

“The law only allows a person to use a foreign registered vehicle for 90 days after which they are supposed to obtain Kenyan registration. We can only allow persons who possess dual citizenship to own such vehicles,” added Korir.

He appealed to Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) at Malaba border to help in enforcing the law.

Korir also issued a stern warning to politicians holding rallies and campaign meetings before IEBC issues out certificates, adding that it was illegal.

Teso North District Commissioner Josephine Onunga asked security agents at the border to be vigilant during the campaign period.

Mrs Onunga also asked the police to deploy more female officers at the border point to frisk women who are used to ferry illegal goods into the country.

She also asked Malaba Town Council to put up security floodlights at the KRA Customs yard.