families flee Nakuru ahead of polls.

Families are fleeing parts of Nakuru county in fear of post-poll violence, a Naivasha clergyman has said.

Bishop Maurice Muhatia of the Nakuru Catholic diocese said the people are moving to areas they believe are safer.

He asked the government to assure citizens of their security during and after the August 8 general election.

Muhatia termed the incidents as worrying adding that Kenyans should not turn against each other despite their political affiliations.

"Some families are transporting their children and personal effects to their rural homes. This is very worrying," he said on Thursday.

Noting the 2007/8 post-poll violence that left at least 1,300 dead and more than 600,000 displaced, the Bishop warned against a repeat and asked politicians not to issue hate remarks.

"We have vowed, as Nakuru residents, that we shall not allow any form of violence in this county. We shall not go back to the dark days of 2007."

Muhetia spoke after holding a mass in honor of the 45 commuters who died in Karai, Naivasha following an accident in December last year.

The Star has learned that people, mainly those working in the flower farms, have started to flee while others have applied for leave in August.

Naivasha assistant county commissioner Richard Aguoka saidsecurity has been intensified and peace committees formed.

He challenged area residents to ignore politicians advocating divisive politics, noting women and children who suffer most.

"We are aware some of the locals have been fleeing from the area in the past for fear of election violence. This time round we are on high alert."

He called on politicians vying for the various seats to conduct their elections in a peaceful manner and avoid incitement.

Jubilee Naivasha MP candidate Jane Kihara called on politicians to preach peace and unite residents.

She called on youths to desist from being used by politicians to cause violence.

"The country had learned the hard way from the 2007 violence. We must embrace tolerance and peace. We need each other before, during and after the polls."

President Uhuru Kenyatta has warned that violence will not be tolerated. He said that anyone who attempts to disrupt the peace will be punished.