NAIROBI, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's security forces have heightened surveillance to avert incidents that may jeopardize peace and stability in the country ahead of Aug. 8 polls, senior officials said on Wednesday.
Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiangi said that the government has put elaborate security measures in place to ensure that peace and order prevailed during the voting day.
"We are satisfied by overall security arrangements in place to ensure the forthcoming elections are held in a peaceful environment. The police will support the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) conduct peaceful elections," Matiangi told journalists.
The CS had earlier held a closed door meeting with police commanders to obtain a nationwide update on state of security ahead of general elections to be held next Tuesday.
He assured the public that police were on high alert to foil attempts by criminal elements to disrupt peace and cohesion in this election cycle.
"As campaigns enter home stretch, we have assembled enough personnel and other assets to strengthen security at the polling stations countrywide," said Matiangi.
He revealed that a multi-agency taskforce has been formed to coordinate security for senior election bosses alongside escort for ballot papers.
"Every senior IEBC official and 290 returning officers will be granted security during the voting day," Matiangi told reporters adding that two police officers will man each polling station in the country
Kenya's security personnel are confident the upcoming polls will not disrupt peace, cohesion and stability despite jitters from some quarters.
The Inspector General of Police, Joseph Boinnet gave an overview assessment of the overall security situation in the country ahead of the polls.
"We have been reviewing the security situation in the country and have so far not detected significant threats. We are satisfied by security measures set by regional commanders as the country prepare for elections," said Boinnet
He added the police will be providing regular updates on security situation in the country in this election cycle.
