NAIROBI, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan security apparatus will be on high alert during the repeat presidential elections scheduled on Thursday to avert skirmishes that could disrupt the exercise, officials said on Monday.
Acting Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government Fred Matiang'i said solid measures are already in place to ensure the voting exercise is conducted in a peaceful environment.
"The government reassures the public that it will execute its mandate of providing security throughout the country to ensure the fresh presidential election takes place in an atmosphere devoid of fear, intimidation and violence," Matiang'i said.
He spoke in Nairobi during a meeting with regional administrators to review security preparedness ahead of the repeat polls.
Matiang'i said security apparatus have intensified vigilance to prevent chaos before, during and after the repeat polls that have triggered anxiety in some parts of the country.
At the same time, Matiang'i warned that stern action will be taken on any individual or political groups intending to disrupt the repeat polls.
He added that security personnel will guard election officials who will preside over the voting exercise to ensure they are not harmed.
"The government will also ensure that Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials have adequate security to conduct the fresh presidential election without interference from any quarters," said Matiang'i.
The repeat polls that have been boycotted by the main opposition National Super Alliance (NASA) have elicited a mixture of anxiety and fear in the country.
While the incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta insisted that elections must be held on schedule, his opposition rival Raila Odinga has told his supporters to keep off the polling booths.
The two political heavyweights have taken hardline positions as the country gears up for repeat presidential polls as ordered by the Supreme Court, which invalidated the ones held on August 8 citing irregularities.
Security officials said monitoring of areas identified as volatile has intensified to prevent eruption of chaos during the repeat polls.
Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet revealed that besides mapping hotspots, the national government has also deployed adequate security officers to maintain law and order during Thursday's repeat presidential elections.
