If things turn ugly: Tororo district authorities gazette refugee centers for Kenyans

Kenyans go to the polls today and many people are expecting the worst. However, this is not a case of alarmism in view of historical occurrences.

According to Tororo district authorities, the chaotic 2007 Kenyan elections opened their eyes to the possibility of a human spillover from Kenya as, at the time, they registered over 2000 refugees resulting from post-election violence.

Tororo Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Albert Amula, says that they are working on contingencies and amenities for any worst-case scenarios.

Already, he says, they are in touch with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Uganda Red Cross Society to camp in the area and provide support should the situation warrant the need for the same.

Kenyans arrive

Tororo Municipality Member of Parliament, Apollo Yeri Ofwono, claims that already a number of Kenyans have started crossing into Uganda and checked into several hotels, this is all in anticipation of what might go wrong if the polls turn violent.

Ofwono appealed to Ugandans to open their arms in welcome to Kenyans in this potentially dark hour of need.

Also preparing for the worst, the Bukedi South Region Police Commander, Julius Ceaser Tusingwire, says that they have beefed up security along the border stretching from Majanji to Elgon ahead of any possible occurrences.

The Kenyan polls have attracted four candidates, with Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto being the frontrunners in a race that has so far been full of acrimony and animosity.