NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 7 – Widows living in low-income settlements in Nakuru Town East have called on security agencies to enhance security ahead of the 2027 General Election, warning that fear of violence could discourage residents from voting.

📻 Breaking It Down

The women said repeated incidents of armed attacks and threats by knife-wielding gangs had heightened anxiety among residents in parts of Nakuru.

Speaking during an empowerment programme at Green View in the Manyani area, the widows urged the police and other security agencies to increase patrols, secure roads and ensure polling stations are adequately protected before, during and after the elections.

Beatrice Akinyi accused politicians of contributing to the proliferation of criminal gangs in Nakuru and its environs, alleging that some political actors fund gangs to disrupt opponents’ meetings and shield their members from arrest.

📌 What You Need to Know

She claimed that the emergence of political goonism had turned violence and intimidation into an income-generating activity for some youths.

Akinyi said residents were determined to participate in the elections but feared a repeat of violence witnessed in parts of Nakuru during the period leading to the 2022 General Election.

“We want to vote, but we also want to return home safely. We do not want to see a repeat of what transpired in Nakuru Town East and Bahati in the run-up to the 2022 General Elections,” she said.

She alleged that women were among those who suffered violence during the period, including sexual assault and killings.

Akinyi said the security situation at the time required intervention by senior government officials and police officers before the attacks were brought under control.

Another widow, Rose Mise, urged security agencies to begin preparations early instead of waiting for violence to erupt.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya