Thieves target electoral commission computers
Election materials at Kenyatta University. Students went on the rampage on Friday night, claiming the materials were intended for illegal use but the administrations says the room had been a tallying centre. Photo/DENISH OCHIENG
What you need to know:
- Gangsters swoop on IEBC office in Ruiru and take off with AP officer’s firearm and 20 laptop computers
A gang stole a firearm and 20 biometric voter registration kits when it raided the office of the electoral commission in Ruiru, Kiambu County, Friday night.
The gangsters grabbed the firearm from one of the two AP officers guarding the building.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission office is situated on the Ruiru-Githunguri road opposite the new district headquarters that are guarded 24 hours a day.
Area police boss David Kirui said the two officers, neither of whom was harmed, have been arrested and are helping with investigations.
Among the stolen items were 20 laptop computers and 19 cameras.
In Nairobi, security was heightened on Saturday as police conducted both aerial and ground patrols to keep an eye on demonstrators supporting a poll petition filed in the Supreme Court by the Cord alliance.
Inspector-General of Police David Kimaiyo said the heightened security was necessary as criminals could take advantage to steal from the public.
Nairobi deputy police boss Moses Ombati was in charge of the aerial patrols while several hundred officers were deployed on the city streets. Scores of detectives had been deployed earlier to detect potential threats.
Mr Kimaiyo urged Kenyans to return to their normal lives and discouraged gatherings to discuss politics, saying they could raise tensions.
But he said the right of Kenyans to freedom of association was not being curtailed.
“I call on Kenyans to exercise their constitutional rights while steering clear of behaviour that may amount to breaking the law. Police officers will not hesitate to take action against law breakers,” he warned.
And the IEBC on Saturday said it was alarmed by allegations that its materials that were found at Kenyatta University were intended for illegal use. KU students rampaged Friday night after the election materials were found on campus, alleging they might have been intended for illegal purposes.
IEBC blamed the incident at the university on incitement by some politicians and urged them to exercise caution and patience before sending alarming messages which could endanger the lives of innocent officers.
Reports by Abiud Ochieng’, Oliver Musembi and Zaddock Angira
