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 rights as per our Constitution. 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 follow heightened concerns surrounding recent disruptions and violence recorded at political gatherings across several regions.
The move aligns with earlier statements from electoral officials regarding campaign conduct. IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon previously signaled that the electoral body maintains the authority to penalize politicians tied to violent acts, including enforcing strict bans ahead of the 2027 polls.
“We will take appropriate action, including fining them, and if it is really tough we will even disqualify some of them from contesting,” Ethekon said.
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