The National Police Service (NPS) is set to recommend to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) that politicians with a history of promoting or perpetrating political violence be barred from contesting in the 2027 General Election.Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli said the police would identify individuals whose conduct and track records raise concerns over their suitability to seek elective office.
Speaking on Tuesday, August 25, during the launch of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission’s Roadmap to a Peaceful General Election 2027, Masengeli said security agencies would intensify surveillance, investigations, crime prevention and arrests targeting politically instigated violence.
Photo|DIG Gilbert Masengeli
“We will recommend to the IEBC those individuals that are not fit to run for office based on their track record of promoting or perpetrating violence in Kenya,” Masengeli said.
The senior police officer also issued a warning to politicians accused of recruiting, financing or sponsoring groups to cause chaos during political activities, saying the police would deal firmly with both perpetrators and their sponsors.
Masengeli urged political leaders and members of the public to exercise their constitutional freedoms responsibly, noting that political and civil rights should not be used to threaten national security or undermine public safety.The announcement comes amid heightened concerns over political violence as parties and aspirants intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.
The IEBC has also signalled that politicians linked to violence could face sanctions. Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the electoral commission would scrutinise candidates accused of violating election laws, engaging in violence or promoting hate speech and divisive politics.
The renewed focus follows recent incidents of violence at political gatherings, including the August 16 disturbances in Homa Bay, which heightened concerns over the use of organised groups in political activities.
The NCIC roadmap launched on Tuesday seeks to strengthen early-warning and response mechanisms, address conflict triggers, counter hate speech and disinformation, and promote dialogue ahead of the 2027 polls.
With political campaigns expected to intensify in the coming months, security agencies are now signalling that the conduct of politicians and their supporters will come under closer scrutiny, with violent actors potentially facing both criminal action and consequences in the electoral process.