2007 Elections

Calm is restored in Kisii, Malindi

Details

Published on Tuesday, 22 January 2008 21:33

Calm is slowly returning to Kisii district following recent skirmishes experienced after the announcement of the results of the just concluded general elections.

But a survey by KBC revealed that several displaced people are still seeking refuge at the local police station in Kisii town, while commuters to various parts of the district were stranded and some businesses remained closed.

Public servants working outside the area failed to report to their duty stations since public transport was inadequate while communication by telephone was cut off. There were reports that a few people had erected road blocks along the Kisii -Kisumu highway with displaced people seeking refuge in other areas.

Speaking to the media, area OCPD Augustine Kimantiria said the area was relatively calm with the residents embarking on their normal activities. He said no deaths had been reported in the area as claimed by a section of the media and that no arrests had been made after groups of people had rioted in the town.

The OCPD, however, said over 200 people were being protected at the police station after they were displaced from their residences in the town and neighbouring districts. According to Kimantiria, the displaced people are in need of assistance in terms of provisions since the existing supplies were running out.

He appealed to relief agencies to intervene and save the children from starvation by providing food, water and shelter. Kisii Catholic Bishop Thomas Mairura in his New Year message called for love and tolerance among the warring communities.

Elsewhere, calm has been restored in Malindi town after two days of tension following the swearing in of President Kibaki for a second term on Sunday. However, a severe shortage of petroleum products, mobile phone scratch cards and beverages has hit the tourist resort town.

Most filling stations reported empty fuel tanks and there were long queues at the only establishment - Petro Mark Filling Station - where there were still some reserves. The prices of mobile phone scratch cards have been increased with a Ksh 100 card going for Ksh 400 and a Ksh 50 card being sold at Ksh 150.

The price of bread has also gone up by two shillings - from Ksh 35 to Ksh 37 - and people have started experiencing food shortages in Ngomeni and other remote areas. Newspapers are also in short supply and residents have now resorted to international media for news on the happenings in the country.