Matiang’i deploys more security personnel to Coast region ahead of election

By , K24 Digital
On Wed, 20 Jul, 2022 18:10 | 2 mins read
Interior CS Fred Matiang'i and British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott. PHOTO/Fred Matiang'i/Facebook

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has directed the deployment of more security personnel and equipment to the coastal region ahead of the August 9 general election.

Matiang'i said intelligence reports had flushed out politically-linked mobilization of gangs and other illegal groupings that could pose a security threat in at least two counties in the region.

Speaking during a meeting with the Coast region security chiefs in Mombasa, the CS said the additional officers and more equipment are expected on the ground next week.

"I have asked the regional security teams to increase the level of security alertness to ensure that we facilitate effective participation in the general election. We are bringing up special additional resources to back up their work and planning," he said.

Coast region security

He said the government is determined to ensure peace in a region with a history of election-related unrest and that it will crackdown on illegal gangs and the politicians sponsoring them.

Matiang'i said they are closely watching politicians and groups of people that are planning to engage in crime.

The new Coast Region Office Complex for Crime and Counterterrorism Investigation. PHOTO/Fred Matiang'i/Twitter

"We have players in two counties that may be tempted to amass small groups that could engage in crime.

"My simple advice to them is not to try because we're watching closely. I've asked the security team to act very decisively on any individual politician who tries to do that kind of a thing," he stated.

He officially opened the new Coast Region Office Complex for Crime and Counterterrorism Investigation.

The British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott, was also present during the opening of the Ksh81 million Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) regional Headquarters and Mombasa Police Station with British government funds.

She said that defeating terrorism is the first priority.

The complex with 26 rooms will provide a dedicated space for the ATPU to work on terrorism cases.

It will also allow the public to interact with the ATPU in a deliberate effort to create public awareness about its work and to strengthen its relationship with the local community.

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