Police Make Major Move Against Politicians Accused of Election Violence

The National Police Service (NPS) plans to recommend to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) that individuals linked to political violence face disqualification from contesting in the 2027 General Election. Speaking on Tuesday, August 25, during the launch of the Roadmap to a Peaceful General Election 2027, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Gilbert Masengeli stated that these formal recommendations will target individuals whose track record shows active involvement in promoting or perpetrating violence across Kenya. He confirmed that the police service will write directly to the IEBC to request a ban on candidates who violate election integrity standards. “We will recommend to the IEBC those individuals who are not fit to run for office based on their track record of promoting or perpetrating violence in Kenya,” Masengeli said. Masengeli also issued a direct warning to political goons and their sponsors, confirming that law enforcement agencies will take decisive action against anyone triggering unrest. In his address, the police chief urged political actors and citizens to respect constitutional rights while operating strictly within statutory security boundaries. He pointed out that civic freedoms cannot serve as a pretext to undermine national safety. “I also challenge you to go back to the Constitution and get a glimpse of political and social r...