NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 16 – Central Regional Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha has denied allegations that police officers were using unmarked vehicles to monitor the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, while confirming that plainclothes detectives from DCI were deployed as part of the election security operation.

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The clarification came after DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala alleged that vehicles without registration plates had been seen moving around the constituency, raising concerns they could be used to interfere with the electoral process.

Addressing journalists on Thursday, Nkanatha dismissed the claims, insisting all official police vehicles are properly identified and warning that anyone operating a vehicle without number plates would be breaking the law.

“Anyone driving a vehicle without number plates is breaking the law. Police vehicles have registration plates, including my own official vehicle. If we find any vehicle operating without number plates, it will be impounded and taken to the police station,” Nkanatha said.

📌 What You Need to Know

He, however, confirmed that DCI detectives had been deployed in civilian attire, describing it as standard operational practice.

“The DCI officers are here with us, and you know they normally operate in civilian clothing. We cannot say we do not have officers in civilian clothes because that is how DCI officers carry out their duties,” he said.

The remarks followed demands by DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua ahead of the poll that all officers deployed for election duty wear official uniforms, display their service numbers and use clearly marked police vehicles to eliminate fears of voter intimidation.

Gachagua had claimed that plainclothes officers operating in unmarked vehicles posed a threat to the integrity of the by-election and accused sections of the security apparatus of planning to interfere with the vote.

Despite the political concerns, Nkanatha maintained that voting had proceeded peacefully since polling stations opened at 6am.

“So far, the exercise has been peaceful. We have not received reports of any major disturbances, and our officers remain on the ground to ensure every voter exercises their democratic right in a safe environment,” he said.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya