Supporters of Kenya's proposed constitution tried to disrupt a rally by their opponents at the weekend. (Photo Courtesy Julius Sigei)

Nairobi — The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has sounded alarm over nationwide tension and potential violence surrounding the August 4 vote.

Speaking at a noon news conference in Nairobi's Serena Hotel, NCIC's Alice Nderitu said the "threat of violence is real" as the campaigns for and against the proposed Constitution enter the final leg, with just nine days left to the big vote.

"It's tense but manageable... but it's only manageable to the extent that the law enforcement officers don't work alone," said Ms Nderitu. "When we start talking about death, you know the threat of violence is real."

Another commissioner, Mr Halakhe Waqo, said "people were tense all over" and that the "civic and political education" in the country had caused confusion, giving rise to the tension.

The commission, together with the United Nations Development Programme, the National Steering Committee on Peace-building and Conflict Management, and a civil society organisation PeaceNet, has formed the 'Uwiano' coalition to prevent violence in the country.

This comes as the government last week announced a three-stage security plan in the Rift Valley that includes gathering intelligence and sending reinforcements to select police stations. Altogether, the government expects to deploy 15,000 additional officers.

Mr Waqo said the increased security has been providing adequate protection, especially in IDP camps.

"Some are even concerned that there are large numbers of security forces in their areas," he said.

These assurances have not assuaged all fears, especially in the 29 hotspots identified in a recent PeaceNet survey.

The "Uwiano" coalition has received more than 3,000 SMS messages sent for free to 6397, some of which have served as a conduit for people to report security threats.

The coalition listed Kericho, Eldoret, Nakuru, Kuresoi, Kuria, Mount Elgon, Kapenguria, Chepareria, Narok, and Turbo.

"Tension is increasing between Kericho and Kisumu as communities move to their comfort zones," said PeaceNet's boss Mutuku Nguli.

At the news conference, the Uwiano coalition said it was investigating Mutito MP Kiema Kilonzo and Waweru Mburu of Citizen Radio for alleged hate speech and incitement.

Mr Mburu's radio show has inspired at least 22 text messages, with Mr Nguli saying the "show was not helpful in reconstructing the divide" between the 'Yes' and 'No' sides.

The coalition is currently collecting evidence and has promised to recommend action "soon."

Uwiano also called for joint dialogues and community engagement that could defuse tension.

"We're responding to minimise the escalation of violence and give people a sense of safety and security," said UNDP's peace advisor , Dr Ozonnia Ojielo.