Security personnel has accused some politicians in Raila Odinga’s backyard of importing teargas to disrupt opponents’ campaigns ahead of the August 9, elections.
Siaya County Commissioner Mohammed Barre said his officers are trailing supporters of some politicians who are being used to instill fear on members of the public.
“We have had challenges in the recent past where people used unorthodox means. They bought tear gas canisters from a neighboring country which they threw into the multitude, endangering the lives of the residents,” he said.
Addressing the media at the county headquarters on Wednesday, February 16, Barre said the security committee will not allow anybody to use unorthodox means that are a threat to security to undermine their opponents from exercising their democratic rights.
He said it was wrong for the leaders in office and those aspiring to get into the office to assign themselves security duties assuring that they will ensure they provide security to all residents.
“We will not allow you to break the law in the process of seeking or protecting a seat which you are holding,” he said.
Kivumbi.co.ke understands that last weekend, unknown hurled teargas canisters at Sega Vocational Training Institute in Ugenya Sub-County where a former Treasury employee, Daniel Odhiambo, was launching his political bid for Ugenya parliamentary seat.
Just two days, a house belonging to Migori gubernatorial hopeful Okong’o Jamigori was reportedly burnt to ashes by suspected arsonists.
Barre however said the men in blue are on the trail of supporters of some area politicians suspected to be behind the incidents that are aimed at ascending to power through rogue means.
He said that a special police squad, led by the county police commander has been formed to track and bring to book those behind insecurity in the region.
