Matiang’i, NASA headed for a clash as CS says no to adopt a polling station

Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Fred Matiang’i, has rubbished the Opposition National Super Alliance (NASA) adopt-a-polling station strategy saying that no unauthorized persons will be allowed to hang around the polling stations.

Dr. Matiang’i has said that anyone not accredited by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will not be allowed at the polling stations on August 8, 2017 when Kenyans go to the ballot.

The CS has since asked the poll body to furnish him with the names of people supposed to be at the polling stations on the material day and anyone not authorised should keep off the polling centres.

He said that the government will act firmly and will not allow anyone to cause chaos or break the law saying that nobody is beyond the law.

“Nobody is above the law and anyone breaking the law should be taken accountable for his or her actions in accordance with the Kenyan laws,” said Dr. Matiang’i.

He noted that the government is mandated to facilitate the IEBC to conduct its constitutional mandate in an objective and honest way.

“There is need to be objective, honest and firm according to the law. Kenyans depends on the security forces.”

At the same time, the Inspector General of Police, Joseph Boinnet, has said that the security teams are ready for the August poll and will ensure maximum security during the polling period.

Matiang’i’s pronouncement now sets a possible collision with the Opposition that has previously insisted that it will have agents inside the polling stations and asked its supporters to remain in the polling centres after casting their ballots in a move to secure their votes from a possible rigging.

The ruling Jubilee Party has, however, accused the Opposition of planning to cause chaos through the adopt a polling station strategy.