Kenya postpones repeat polls in West Kenya as clashes continue

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Kenya's electoral body on Friday suspended the repeat presidential election in four counties in West Kenya that were marred by chaotic demonstrations since Thursday.

The Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati said the polls, which had earlier been postponed to October 18, had been put off to a later date in 3,635 polling stations mainly in Kisumu, Siaya, Homabay and Migori counties.

While violent demonstrations were also seen in other cities such as Mombasa, a stronghold of the NASA opposition coalition.

Properties set on fire by rioters in Kawangware slums in Nairobi, Kenya October 27, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Chebukati said some of IEBC staff on Thursday were hijacked, tortured, and in some areas, some of their homes broken into and looted. Others were forbidden and violently prevented from reporting to their polling stations and were literally chased away.

"Some had to take refuge in police stations up to now as we speak," Chebukati told a media briefing in Nairobi. He said the electoral body will announce a new date for repeat elections later.

For the better part of Friday morning, the lakeside city of Kisumu was deserted. No single shop was opened, an indication that the heavy police presence and chaos had scared the residents who vowed never to allow repeat elections in the county.

The effects of bonfires lit on the roads and the huge stones used by protesters to barricade the roads were evident.

A man with a machete runs down the road in Kisumu, Kenya, October 27, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Chebukati said two regions in northern Kenya will vote on Saturday, noting that total polling stations account for 1.17 million votes or nine percent of the total registered voters.

The IEBC boss cited security threats to the electoral body's staff as the reason for the postponement. "When it comes to our staff, the returning officers and polling staff; when their lives are in danger, as a commission we are concerned."

At least four people have been killed in electoral violence in the repeat presidential election, the police said.

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett said six police officers have also been injured during the fracas between police and anti-poll protesters in Western Kenya.

"Arising out of the police effort to maintain law and order as well as quelling riotous assemblies, a total of four persons were killed, six police officers sustained serious injuries, 13 civilians were also injured and a total of 86 people have been arrested for various electoral and public order offences," said Boinnet.

The deaths happened in Kisumu, Homa Bay, Athi River and Bungoma. They were all shot dead by police in confrontations.

People try to put out a fire at properties set ablaze by rioters in Kawangware slums in Nairobi, October 27, 2017. /Reuters Photo

During the fresh presidential elections, he said, the police's key focus was ensuring that peace and tranquility prevails before, during and after the election period.

"We also focused on providing security for safe delivery of all election materials to and from all polling stations and finally to the tallying centers as well as enforcing all electoral laws," Boinett said.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Raila Odinga has asked his supporters not to protest but boycott the October 28 presidential election in Western Kenya, his main stronghold region.

Speaking during an interview with a TV station, Odinga said holding elections in four areas was only ethnic profiling that must be condemned.

Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga of the National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition arrives for a rally in Kibera slums, Nairobi, October 27, 2017. /Reuters Photo‍

The opposition leader dismissed the repeat presidential election and urged his supporters to maintain peace, adding he will communicate the way forward soon.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency