NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Police Service (NPS) has begun mapping areas considered prone to election-related violence as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli said the exercise will use intelligence to identify potential hotspots and guide early police intervention.
Speaking at the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) National Stakeholders Conference on Peace Ahead of the 2027 Elections on Monday, Masengeli said the police will prioritise public safety and will not tolerate politically sponsored violence.
Police target political gangs and hooliganism
Masengeli said the NPS was increasing its focus on areas considered vulnerable to election-related violence.
“For us as police, our main aim is to make sure the public is safe. We still demand that politicians refrain from making remarks that use young people as shields for their political gains,” he said.
He warned that political gangs and hooliganism would be confronted before they escalate into violence.
“We are putting more focus on areas prone to election-related violence. Political hooliganism and gangs must be confronted early and decisively, as we cannot allow the disruption of meetings or destruction of property. Our approach will be lawful and intelligence-guided,” Masengeli said.
Masengeli condemns Embu political violence
The police boss also condemned the violence reported during a political gathering in Embu County on Saturday involving Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
He urged young people not to accept handouts from politicians to disrupt political meetings and said police had launched a crackdown to arrest suspects linked to the incident.
“Young people should refrain from joining political movements whose final intentions they do not know. We will always go after those who commit these acts and those who fund them,” he said.
Masengeli questioned the destruction of property during political confrontations and called for adherence to the rule of law.
“What rationale do you have for burning someone’s vehicle, like what happened in Embu? Why can’t they burn their own cars? We have to be guided by the rule of law. We need restraint and early action to prevent tensions from escalating. In Kenya, we have good laws; the problem is implementing them,” he said.
Two feared dead in Embu clash
During Saturday’s gathering, two people were feared dead and several vehicles were reportedly set on fire after hundreds of youths attempted to access a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) meeting.
The meeting had reportedly been restricted to invited officials and other designated participants.
The restrictions left scores of youths outside the venue, triggering a confrontation with police.
Political parties warned over sponsored violence
Registrar of Political Parties John Cox Lorionokou warned that political parties could be held accountable if politicians affiliated with them are linked to sponsored violence.
“These politicians are the trouble that we have been witnessing. We do not have the powers to regulate individual officials, but we will hold their political parties accountable for their behavior,” Lorionokou said.
He also warned political parties that scrutiny would intensify during primaries and nominations ahead of the 2027 polls.
“We will be very strict during political party primaries and nominations. Are they fair, transparent and peaceful? This is important ahead of the main election,” he said.
Registrar warns of rising political temperatures
Lorionokou called for swift action against political incitement, warning that failure to address it early could have serious consequences.
“The pressure and competition are intensifying, with political temperatures rising rapidly. Unfortunately, the direction is dangerous and ruthless, full of tension, fear and loss of lives. Though political competition is valid, it should not come at such costs as we are seeing,” he said.
