KENYA Five presidential candidates given State security

President Kenyatta at a past function. Only five presidential candidates have been accorded security ahead of August 8th polls. PHOTO : FILEEmbakasi in Nairobi. [Photo/PSCU]

Are you aware that the General Election can be cancelled if a presidential candidate or running mate dies?

Article 138 of the Constitution states that a presidential poll shall be cancelled and a new election date set in the event a presidential candidate or their running mate dies before the slated election date.

“If one of them dies, God forbid, we shall not be having any election on 8^th of August 2017.Suppose one intentionally commits suicide or attempts to commit suicide, are we likely to face a serious constitutional question,?” said political analyst Danston Omari.

Owing to this, the National Police Service has enhanced security for the 8 presidential candidates after they were cleared by IEBC to contest.
“They must not be allowed to put themselves at risk that will cost the country money, time, opportunities or even start a conflict” Police Spokesman Charles Owino explained.

The eight candidates gunning for the presidency in the August 8th General Election. INFOGRAPHIC: EVELYN WANGARI MURUGI Despite the gravity of the matter, Citizen Digital has established only five presidential candidates have been accorded state security while three are yet to pick up their security detail despite being contacted by the police.
“A person supposed to be protected must explain where he lives, his or her lifestyle as well as how he socializes with friends and other people,” said security expert Richard Tuta.

Jubilee presidential candidate President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto, NASA’s Raila Odinga and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka, UDP candidate Cyrus Jirongo and running mate Orina Momanyi and Independent Candidate Joe Nyagah and his running mate Moses Marango are among candidates who have already been accorded security.
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The eight presidential running mates in the August 8th General Election. INFOGRAPHIC: EVELYNE WANGARI MURUGI