Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has put senior commanders on notice that they will personally answer for any criminal gangs and politically hired goons left to operate in their areas, as security agencies begin preparing for the 2027 General Election.

Speaking at a senior commanders' election security preparedness conference at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong, Kanja said his orders on gangs had been "very clear" and that failure to act would be treated as negligence on the part of the officers in charge.

"You must do what it takes to eradicate the culture of goonism before it is too late," he told regional, formation and county commanders.

From reactive to intelligence-led policing

Kanja asked commanders to stop waiting for violence to break out and instead act on intelligence. Among his directives:

  • Map security hotspots in every region ahead of the election, which is now about ten months away.
  • Target gangs, illicit alcohol and drugs, which he named as triggers of violence.
  • Run continuous training in public order management and anti-riot drills to cut injuries, excessive force and complaints against officers.
  • Engage the media proactively to counter misinformation, and stop any harassment of journalists.
  • Step up vehicle inspections, awareness campaigns and traffic enforcement before the festive season, after a string of deadly highway crashes.

"The National Police Service must remain apolitical and accountable at all times," Kanja said, adding that election preparations would run in three phases covering the periods before, during and after voting.

Murkomen: arrests already made

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said security agencies had already intensified operations against people accused of disrupting political meetings and intimidating the public, citing arrests in Kitale, Kakamega, Central, Nairobi and other areas. "We will not allow anyone to bring violence," he said in Elgeyo-Marakwet.

The Nation reported that police are also following up on incitement and hate speech on social media as part of the wider election security plan.

Goons in the spotlight

The directive comes amid a run of disruptions at political and public events. On Saturday, suspected goons stormed the stage at ODM's Jacaranda rally in Nairobi, forcing leaders to flee, and police later arrested five people over phone thefts at the gathering. On Sunday, a Radio Citizen event in Busia was also disrupted, adding to concerns raised by media rights groups over attacks on journalists this year.

Opposition leaders have repeatedly accused the State of tolerating hired youths at rallies, a claim the government denies. Kanja's warning that commanders will carry the blame for gangs on their patch is the clearest signal yet that police leadership wants the problem contained well before campaigns peak.

Photos: NPS via The Star; Handout via The Eastleigh Voice. Thumbnail design: HAMASTA MEDIA.