Government pledges to curb electoral violence

Authorities in Kenya are preparing to deal firmly with the recent upsurge of political violence that has rocked many parts of the country ahead of presidential, parliamentary and civic elections slated for 27 December. Several people have reportedly been killed and scores injured, especially in the past week, during which a number of political parties had been conducting nominations of candidates expected to contest parliamentary seats. Much of the violence has been attributed to unfair voting practices, ranging from alleged bribing of voters to outright rigging. At a joint press conference on Wednesday, Police Commissioner Philemon Abong'o, Attorney-General Amos Wako and Electoral Commissioner Samuel Kivuitu regretted that so far efforts by the Kenyan police to curb the tide had failed to bring the situation under control. They said the violence was undermining democracy, and warned that it could easily drive the country into anarchy. "From the time it became evident that general elections will be held on time, the country witnessed a slow upsurge of political violence. Indeed, the situation is getting worse," they said in a joint statement. "Political violence in all its forms and manifestations is offensive. It is destructive and degrading. It stirs up more violence. In many countries it has led to a complete collapse of law and order, civil wars and anarchy," the statement added. The police commissioner said his force was now preparing to prevent further violence, especially during the crucial electioneering period in the coming month. He said more police officers would be deployed, particularly in the most politically volatile regions. Much of the violence has been reported in western Kenya, Rift Valley Province and parts the capital, Nairobi. "There are laws in this country which can be put into use in dealing with political violence. We will to hesitate to do so. Indeed a number of people have already been charged in law courts with committing such acts," Abong'o told Journalists.