Police probe three leaders over election chaos claims in Kenya

Deputy Police Spokesperson Charles Owino (right) during a news briefing by the media monitoring committee at Teleposta Towers, Nairobi August 29, 2012. He is with Director of Public Communications Mary Ombara. Ms Mary Ombara said police investigations were at an advanced stage and action would be taken against the leaders.  Photo|FILE|NATION MEDIA GROUP

The politicians, including a presidential aspirant, allegedly plan to use militia groups to attack supporters of their rivals to prevent them from voting.

Two groups named ‘‘American Marines’’ and ‘‘China Squad’’ are active in Kisumu county, the National Steering Committee on Media Monitoring said on Wednesday.

The groups are made up of jobless youths who are being given handouts by the politicians. Ms Mary Ombara, the committee’s spokesperson said police investigations were at an advanced stage and action would be taken against the leaders.

Last week, the American Marines group raided a police station in a bid to free a member who had been detained. The two groups initially fought for the control of the Kisumu bus terminus but were increasingly being used by politicians.

American Marines was in charge of the terminus before the emergence of China Squad. One of the politicians, who is also a presidential aspirant, is said to have used China Squad to organise a rally in the county.

Though police have vowed to wipe out the groups, they are still causing terror in Kisumu. Nyanza police boss Joseph ole Tito on Wednesday said the situation was almost back to normal after five members from both groups were arrested and arraigned in court.

Ms Ombara also warned parties against political adverts likely to degrade and humiliate opponents. She said similar adverts in the media were partly responsible for the 2008 post-election violence.

“We trust that this time round, all political advertising outlets will be sensitive to the silent but charged emotions in the country,” she said.