Security Intensified in the Kenyan Malindi Coast Ahead of Monday By-Election

                                  Kenyan Coast Region Coordinator Nelson Marwa

Security has been beefed up in the Malindi and the Coast region at large ahead of Monday’s by elections that is expected to be hotly contested.

Mombasa county regional coordinator Nelson Marwa said a helicopter will be used for aerial surveillance in particular hotspots in the constituency to take action when need be.

Addressing journalists during a press conference, Marwa said GSU and other special units will be deployed over the five wards, to maintain security and prevent any cases of election violence.

Marwa, who was accompanied by Coast regional Commander Francis Wanjohi, Kilifi Commissioner Joseph Keter and other security officers, said they had also mounted roadblocks along the Mombasa-Malindi highway and the Malindi-Lamu road to monitor traffic.

The security chief warned leaders against hiring youth from outside Malindi to disrupt the elections and vowed stern action will be taken against those who will attempt to cause disorder.

"We want voters to vote peacefully and go back to their homes, no need to mill around or create chaos at polling stations," he said.

Marwa said security personnel and intelligence officers were on high alert as there were plans to ferry youth and drugs from Lamu, Tana River and Mombasa to disrupt the elections.

He said they were prepared to deal with any one regardless of his status who would attempt to bring discord.

Marwa decried increasing cases of insults and attacks targeted at rival supporters during the campaign period, citing a case where Cord supporters stoned one from Jubilee "in broad daylight".

"We do not want our officers to be harassed. Hooligans are warned, leaders should also not incite youths to violence."

Marwa said they had already asked Kenya Power company to ensure no blackouts occur during the elections, as it could contribute to vote rigging.

Source: The Star