NAIROBI: Kenyan police have pledged increased security in advance of the August 9 national elections. According to media reports, Inspector-General of Police Hilary Mutyambai said that a total of 150,000 policemen selected from partner security agencies will be deployed during the elections to create a safe atmosphere for everybody to vote.

"Formed police units have also been deployed across the country to provide tactical support to general duty officers prior to, during, and after the general elections," Mutyambai explained. He also indicated that there is a provision for the deployment of aircraft in crucial places to provide logistical and air support if needed throughout the election campaign.

The election will be fought out between two major political alliances: Kenya Kwanza, led by Deputy President William Ruto, and Azimio la Umoja, led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is in his final term, has chosen to endorse Odinga, a past competitor for the presidency who is running for the fifth time, rather than his own deputy.

Mutyambai stated that as part of the election preparations, elaborate measures and strategies have been put in place to ensure that security is guaranteed throughout the electoral cycle, allowing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to conduct free, credible, and fair elections.

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