NAIROBI, Kenya – Deputy Inspector General of Police Douglas Masengeli has warned Kenyans against allowing political differences to fuel revenge, hatred and violence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Masengeli urged Kenyans to reject calls for retaliation and instead focus on building a peaceful country.
“Or you did this to me, or I have to revenge, I have to, no. Plan yourself, go for the betterment,” Masengeli said.
He was speaking at a national stakeholders conference on peaceful elections, where he raised concerns over growing political polarisation, identity-based mobilisation, hate speech, misinformation, disinformation and goonism.
Masengeli warns of rising political tensions
The Deputy Inspector General said the threats could undermine public trust and social cohesion if they were not addressed early.
He stressed the need for political leaders, security agencies and citizens to work together to protect the electoral process and the rights of Kenyans.
“Elections are a defining moment in any democracy. Our collaborative duty is to ensure that the process is peaceful, secure, and the rights and freedoms of all Kenyans are safeguarded,” he said.
Masengeli’s remarks come as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 polls, with security and other state agencies increasingly focusing on preventing political violence.
Police cite Embu vehicle burning
Masengeli also referred to the recent violence in Embu, where a vehicle was torched during the disruption of a UDA delegates’ meeting at Nembure Grounds.
He questioned why political disagreements should lead to the destruction of another person’s property.
“What relationship do you have with burning somebody’s vehicle?” he asked.
Masengeli said the vehicle belonged to a young man who had recently acquired it through a loan before it was set on fire.
“If you want to burn a vehicle, why can’t you burn yours that you took a loan and bought? Will you feel good?” he posed.
Masengeli faults poor enforcement of laws
The police boss said Kenya has strong laws capable of dealing with criminal behaviour but identified implementation as a major challenge.
“Kenya is among the best countries that have good laws, but the problem is implementation,” he said.
He called on political leaders and members of the public to respect one another’s rights and avoid actions that could escalate political tensions.
Masengeli urged Kenyans to work together to ensure the 2027 election is peaceful before, during and after voting.
Police message ahead of 2027
The warning comes as political competition gathers pace ahead of the General Election, raising concerns over the potential spread of inflammatory rhetoric, organised political violence and misinformation.
Masengeli said preventing violence would require early intervention and cooperation among political actors, security agencies and the public.
