IG Boinett Says Only Three People Died During Thursday’s Polls In Security Related Incidents

The Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett has said that only three people died in security-related incidents during Thursday’s repeat poll.

In a statement sent to newsrooms, Boinett said that voting went smoothly across the country except in four Counties; Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori where security forces clashed with protesters.

Read Also: Police Shoot Two Protesters In Migori For Blocking Electoral Materials

“The National Police Service wishes to inform that it deployed its personnel and other assets in support of IEBC to conduct the election which went without any major incident in 43 counties,” read the statement in part.

“However, the counties that reported serious incidents include Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori.”

The police chief said that there were various incidents in the mentioned counties including one in Kisumu where a “mob of 300 people stormed into Kit Mikayi tallying center and attempted to forcefully steal polling material. In an effort to disperse them one person was shot in the leg and unfortunately died of bleeding.”

He also said that in Homa Bay county youths barricaded Kisumu-Oyugis-Kisii road within Oyugis town using stones and lighting bonfires. Two police officers were unfortunately injured.

Boinett added that: “There were minor security incidents reported in some parts of Nairobi, Busia and Mombasa counties. All these incidents were instigated by gangs of youths barricading roads, lighting bonfires to prevent IEBC staff from conducting the elections.”

Read Also: Hospitals Overwhelmed With Casualties After The Kisumu Slum Raid

IG Boinett’s statement on Thursday’s repeat poll deaths got mixed reactions as it is seen to have failed to accurately address the number of casualties with numerous reports suggesting that more than just three people died.

A few hours ago, reports from Athi River say that two people have been shot dead with many others wounded including Athi River AP commander Stephen Matu. Matu was hit with a stone on the right eye in Athi River town, Machakos county.

“Those people hit me with a stone during the skirmishes. I have never felt such pain. I just returned from the hospital,” he told The Star.

Another has been reported in Bungoma town where one person was shot dead following running battles between police and protesters.

More To Follow