Over 135,000 police officers to provide security during August 9 polls
At least 135,000 police officers will be deployed to provide security in various parts of the country during the August 9 polls.
To avert any eruption of violence in the challenging and costly polls, sleuths in the country are leaving nothing to chance to strategise for a plan that will see prevalence of peace even after the elections.
An Election Management and Security manual sent to police commanders outlines that additional personnel from Kenya Prisons Service, National Youth Service and Kenya Police Reservists will be placed under the command of Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai.
Police are expected to majorly monitor emergence of criminal gangs, violent supporters of political candidates and the aspirants who may cause havoc.
In the arrangements, no police officer will be allowed to go on leave in the period leading to the elections and after the polls until a new Commander-in-Chief takes over leadership of the country.
"135,000 police officers, their commanders plus additional units from all the government security agencies shall be on duty across all the police stations or on standby for quick deployment whenever need arises," the election security management manual states as reported by a local television.
The national treasury has asked for an extra Ksh90 million geared towards the enhancement of security that will facilitate a smooth and seamless transfer of power.
