The National Police Service will identify political aspirants linked to violence and recommend them to the electoral commission for action ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli said the police would rely on individuals’ records and their conduct as political activity intensifies across the country.
“We will recommend to the IEBC those individuals that are not fit to run for office based on their record of promoting or perpetuating violence in Kenya,” Masengeli said.
He spoke on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Pullman Hotel in Nairobi during the launch of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission’s (NCIC) Roadmap to a Peaceful General Election 2027.
The roadmap, dubbed “Uchaguzi Bila Noma”, brings together government agencies, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), civil society organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen measures aimed at preventing election-related violence.
Masengeli said the police would intensify surveillance of political activities and take action against individuals involved in violence or attempts to disrupt public order.
“We will deal with goons firmly and their sponsors,” he said.
The senior police officer said security agencies would not wait until the election period to respond to threats, signalling increased monitoring as political mobilisation gathers momentum ahead of the August 2027 polls.
Masengeli also cautioned political actors against abusing constitutional freedoms in ways that threaten national security.
“I also challenge you to go back to the Constitution and get a glimpse of political and social rights as per our Constitution,” he said.
“In this regard, as much as you have all the freedom to do whatever you want to do, but there are some limits when it comes to threats to the national security,” he added.
His remarks come amid growing concern over politically instigated violence, hate speech, ethnic mobilisation and the use of criminal gangs during political gatherings.
The warning also places greater focus on the conduct and track records of politicians as preparations for the 2027 elections accelerate.
IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon separately called for proactive investigations into political actors whose activities threaten peace and stability.
“Let us use that information to petition IEBC to take action against those errant politicians who think they are above the law,” Ethekon said.
The NCIC roadmap seeks to promote early intervention, dialogue and coordinated action to prevent political disputes from escalating into violence before, during and after the 2027 General Election.
