As election day approaches the political atmosphere is flaming and growing intense, hence security measures should be the main priority.
The electioneering aura is pulling triggers of anticipation among supporters of the contending brigades, causing tension that can shoot up to unforeseen repercussions depending on the results.
Every person and organization must have knowledge of their local regions in regards to anything threatening security linked to their area and also strategies on crisis management in case the flame flares the roof and the threat manifests.
In May, National Cohesion and Integration (NCIC) showed that the counties of Kericho Kisumu, Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, and, Uasin Gishu to be the regions most likely to experience election-related violence.
Nairobi County which is the capital city has been divided into factions depending on the wide spreading of risk factors.
Nairobi’s Eastlands region and its informal settlement areas are prone to the accessibility of arms, motorbike gangs, and slothful youth, foreseen to be possible security threats.
Nairobi North region in the areas of Thika Road, Githurai Market, Kariobangi North, and Mlango Kubwa has profoundly been linked to politically controlled gangs, political intolerance, and radicalization.
Other areas like Kawangware-Congo, Dagoretti, Wanyee Road, and Kangemi have been marked as notorious crime zone identified for unregulated campaigns, crowds for hire, and motorbike gangs.
Nairobi West and Kibra residents are called upon to watch out for political gangs and drug abuse, while squad boys in transport centres have been grouped as security threats in Lang’ata and Southlands region.
As election day approaches, measures and policies have been placed by security experts to help maintain a peaceful environment for their clients and the public safety.
Security organizations like BM Security have delivered an Elections Security Preparedness Advisory for their clients and the general public.
The advisory is urging individuals, families, and residential communities to;
Ensure they have fully stocked First Aid Kits and a sufficient supply of any prescribed drugs, Store dry foods as opposed to fresh as electricity might be short, ensure alarm systems are functioning, availability of fire extinguisher, store enough cooking gas, and keep an adequate supply of drinking water.
Organizations are instructed to enhance their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), form Crisis Management Teams (CMTs), and set up contact with law enforcement officers such as police and local administrators.
Earlier June as the Azimio party leader rallied in Nakuru he talked about how politicians throw money into election violence using gangs and squads to cause chaos, he called upon the residents to watch for planned political disruptions.
“You’re paid after the work, and per turnout,” “The going rate varies. If you’re working with someone who’s politically connected, you get around 1,000 Kenyan shillings (£7) per turnout, but if you’re not, you’ll get only around 400KSh.”
“When the politician is heckled but doesn’t leave, some supporters will start to use violence,” Odinga said.
“Those who fought for them, who mainly just wanted to make quick money, have to live with the same communities they violently broke up during elections.” He explained further.
