The Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai has assured Kenyans that they have resolved investigation revolving around stickers recently imported into the country.
Through a statement, Mutyambai noted that the National Police Service regularly met with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to exchange, share and compare notes to make the exercise a success.
“Finally, with regard to the investigation revolving around electoral stickers recently imported into the country. I wish to inform Kenyans that the matter has been resolved,” he said.
Additionally, he said that the stickers were not accompanied by an IEBC official as it is customary, and that the stickers, which he called “sensitive materials,” were brought in the personal luggage of a foreigner.
“The police, as per standard procedure and arrangement with the IEBC, were not notified of such an import beforehand to provide necessary security and escort,” Mutyambai said.
According to the country’s IG the foreigner was freed after later investigations established that the stickers are legitimate property of the IEBC and part of election-related material.
“As a result of this confirmation, this morning, I have issued instructions that the suspect in custody be released and handed over to the IEBC,” he said.
This came after the IEBC asked that three people be held by police on suspicion of intimidation.
“The commission is concerned about this unjustified intimidation, harassment, and blackmail whatsoever and demands the immediate release of the three employees of Smartmatic International B.V,” said IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati.
Chebukati stated that the IEBC has a legal contract with Smartmatic International B.V, the company contracted to deliver technical materials for the August 9 election, and that it does not comprehend why its staff were detained by police.
Mutyambai had earlier on defended the arrest of a foreigner caught transporting election stickers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), claiming that police were following protocol.