NAIROBI, Kenya- Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has directed commanders to intensify action against criminal gangs and politically motivated goons as the National Police Service prepares for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Friday at the close of a two-day election security preparedness conference at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong, Kanja said commanders would be held responsible if gangs remained active in their areas.
“Individual commanders must have zero-tolerance to all forms of criminal gangs and goons,” he said, warning that inaction could be treated as negligence and lead to consequences for senior officers.
Kanja urged commanders to use intelligence-led operations to address the threat before it escalates.
He also directed them to map potential hotspots and intensify efforts against illicit alcohol and drugs, which he described as possible triggers for violence.
The Inspector-General said the National Police Service had about ten months to prepare for the elections and needed to coordinate its plans with other agencies.
He said commanders had been briefed on the Election Preparedness Work Plan and the General Election Preparedness Matrix, which cover security measures before, during and after voting.
He called for continuous training in public order management and anti-riot procedures, saying the drills could reduce injuries, excessive use of force and complaints against officers.
Kanja said the Internal Affairs Directorate should continue sensitising officers on the protocols.
The Inspector-General also urged regional, formation and county commanders to speak to the media when necessary and provide information based on facts.
He said timely communication could limit speculation and help preserve public trust in the police.
“Why be quiet and allow misinformation, when you have the benefit of all the facts?” he asked.
Kanja added that harassment of journalists within police commands would not be tolerated.
On road safety, he urged commanders to step up public awareness campaigns, vehicle checks and enforcement of traffic laws as the festive season approaches.
He said the country had lost many people in crashes along major highways in recent weeks and that proposals to address accident hotspots had been forwarded for consideration.
Kanja reminded officers that the National Police Service must remain politically neutral and accountable, and that police operations must be responsibly managed.
He said officers were duty-bound to serve all people equally and uphold the rule of law.
He also called for closer cooperation between the Kenya Police Service, the Administration Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, saying joint intelligence-sharing and operations would be important to election security.
Kanja officially closed the conference and urged commanders to apply its resolutions in their respective stations.
