The government has beefed up security ahead of Mbeere North by-election to avert attempts to disrupt the polls on Thursday, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said.
The DP warned anyone who will try to instigate violence in the constituency that they will face the full wrath of the law, assuring residents that the by-election will be peaceful.
Speaking on Monday on the final day of campaigns when he led the search for votes for UDA’s candidate Leonard Wamuthende Leo at Karerema and Gitiburi grounds in the constituency, Prof. Kindiki said the government will ensure the safety of all voters.
“The government will not allow goons to take over or for wananchi to be threatened not to vote by those who fear they will lose. There will be voting and the exercise will proceed in peace,” DP assured.
He said all Kenyans must exercise their right to choose their leaders without any form of threats to their lives warning of dire consequences for those who will try to cause mayhem.
“The government will do whatever it takes to protect you to and from the polling stations across the constituency. Nobody is supposed to threaten you or to make you not exercise your democratic right,” DP added.
The Deputy President urged the residents to turn up in large numbers and vote, beseeching them to elect Mr. Leo who he said had a clear plan to develop the constituency.
“There will be no violence in Mbeere North. The government will use every lawful means to ensure the safety of all voters. Come out and vote for your preferred candidate. No one will stop you from doing that,” he emphasized.
As the campaigns came to a close, the Second in Command promised to follow up on all ongoing projects in the constituency including Kanyuambora-Kune-Siakago Road, Gikuyari-Karambari-Kirie-Ishiara Road, Runyenjes-Mbeere North Road, Kiambere Irrigation Water project which has been allocated an extra Sh2 billion, completion of 12 modern markets in the larger Embu County and completion of electricity projects.
DP chided the opposition for empty talk and slogans saying they had wasted their time issuing threats instead of telling the people what their candidate will do if elected.
“Our competitors are focused on slogans instead of challenging our development programme that entails tarmacking of more roads, electricity connection, water projects, more modern markets and others,” he stated.
If elected, Prof. Kindiki challenged Mr. Leo to serve all with humility and not to discriminate against those who would not vote for him. He encouraged him to set up the Mbeere North Special Education Fund so as to make sure every child in the constituency gets access to education.
“If elected, work with everyone because you will be a servant of all whether they voted for you or not,” DP said.
