The government has banned campaign rallies past 6pm in Garissa. Garissa county commissioner Maalim Mohamed said the order takes immediate effect and politicians who flout the rule "will have their campaign vehicles confiscated".

Maalim was speaking yesterday during a grassroots peace forum held in Garissa town. He said because of the insecurity, it is important to take precaution so that criminals do not capitalise on the campaigns to destabilise peace.

The commissioner said there have been reports that some people who are out to disrupt the general election. "I call on every resident to be on the look out for suspicious people," he said. Defence minister Yusuf Haji, who is a senator candidate praised Maalim's order saying security is important. Police boss George Losku attended the meeting.