Police in Uasin Gishu are investigating arson fires in two vacant, semi-permanent houses at Makuto village in Kesses.
Uasin Gishu police commander Ayub Gitonga said they suspect the arson was “normal thuggery” or intimidation, adding there was no political tension in the area.
The fires broke out at abut 11pm on Wednesday night. The houses were unoccupied. No injuries were reported.
“Security teams rushed to the area and together with locals they put out the fire within a short time,” Gitonga said.
He said the area was calm and police were hunting for the arsonists.
More than 2,000 police officers had been deployed to the county for the election period. He said the situation had remained calm throughout the election process.
“The officers we have deployed will remain in the areas we have sent them until we are through with the election process,” Gitonga said.
Security remained tight at tallying centres where IEBC officials were completing the election process to declare winners.
IEBC returning officer for Uasin Gishu Irene Mutai said the poll security measures had been effective.
“We have worked very well with the security agencies and so far no incidents have been reported in all areas,” she said.
Separately, bishops and Muslim clergy in Rift Valley held their daily joint meeting in Eldoret. They continued urging Kenyans to remain peaceful as the election process nears the end.
They also praised the IEBC and security teams.
Catholic Bishop Dominic Kimengich and chairman of the Imams Abubakar Bini led the clergy in urging residents to remain calm after the declaration of the presidential results.
“We make a passionate plea, let us remain calm and peaceful as we near the end of the election process,” Bini said.
He said clergy were confident the government and electoral agency had put in place measures to ensure the elections end smoothly.
“We want the country to move on peacefully,” Kimengich said, “so we can focus on economic growth after a lengthy period of politics.”
