NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 26 – Inspector General of the National Police Service Joseph Boinnet has said only four counties out of the 47 have reported disruption of the voting process.
Speaking after casting his vote at Madaraka Primary School in Langata Constituency, Boinnet said the police were managing security in Nyanza.
Crowds in Siaya, Migori, Kisumu and Homa Bay counties engaged the police in running battles as hundreds of residents blocked roads and lit fires to block Independent and Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials from opening polling stations.
“We have only had difficulties in a few areas including Kibera and Mathare in Nairobi. But we are managing to ensure that those who want to vote can do so, and those who don’t want, can stay away,” the IG said.
The police boss has also denied accusations levelled against the service on use of excessive force when dispersing protesters.
“Our response has always been proportionate and measured,” says Boinnet.
National Super Alliance (NASA) Presidential candidate, Raila Odinga, called on his supporters to boycott the repeat election citing a compromised electoral process.
Odinga, however, did direct his supporters not to demonstrate or hinder IEBC officers from conducting elections.
