The leaflets have been circulating in Kisumu, home to CORD’s presidential candidate Raila Odinga, and the coastal city of Mombasa.
Eight candidates are vying for the presidential seat on 4 March, but Mr Odinga and Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta are considered the two frontrunners.
Kenyatta’s candidacy has been controversial as he and his running mate, William Ruto, have been charged with crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over allegations of fuelling violence in the wake of the last election.
Police Inspector General David Kimaiyo said the leaflets found in Kisumu, were inciting Luo residents to chase away people from the Kikuyu and Kalenjin communities, who traditionally support Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto.
Officers are investigating where the leaflets were printed, how they were distributed and who the authors were, he said.
“We are therefore passing a strong message to all those who may want to cause unnecessary fear and panic among members of the public that the long arm of the law will soon catch up with them,” said Kimaiyo.
The police chief assured the public that special security teams had been sent to areas identified as potential hotspots ahead of the elections.
A number of politicians and musicians have appeared in court in the past year on charges of propagating hate speech.
By Beth Nyaga
Source: BBC
