19 potential violence hot spots in Nairobi revealed

As the country heads to polls on Tuesday, a multi-agency security team in Nairobi has identified a number of informal settlements as potential violence spots.

Nairobi Police Commander Japheth Koome said a review of the security situation of all city estates was conducted to guide deployment of officers ahead of the poll.

“We have identified the hotspots areas in Nairobi to inform our deployment. We don’t actually anticipate any trouble, but generally, all the informal settlements are the areas where the threat level is higher due to high population,” said Koome.

The areas include: Landhies Road, Umoja, Kariobangi, Dandora, Kayole, Kiambiu, Githogoro, Kibera, Mathare, Mukuru slums, Dagoretti, Kawangware, Buru Buru, Globe Cinema, Kangemi, Ngara, Marurui and Korogocho

A number of the aforementioned settlements were hard-hit by the 2007 Post Election Violence and the police are keen to ensure a repeat of the same is not witnessed in this year’s elections.

Mr Koome stated that city security officers have adequate personnel and equipment at their disposal to deal with troublemakers in accordance with the law.

“We have adequate gear to deal with anybody who violates the law. I will protect the life and property of every Nairobi resident. As the capital city, we host many embassies, foreign missions and even the presidential candidates live here. Nobody will be allowed to be a threat to another,” he said.