The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has announced plans to summon politicians suspected of sponsoring goons and orchestrating violence against their rivals ahead of the 2027 General Election.
DCI Nyanza Regional Coordinator George Matonya said investigators had identified politicians allegedly linked to recent attacks and would begin summoning them to record statements and respond to questions about the incidents.
Matonya explained that the crackdown would target individuals financing violent groups as well as those who employ goons to disrupt political activities and attack opponents.
"We have been able to profile the known politicians who are connected to goonism. And as the regional security committee, we have agreed that we should summon employers of the goons and those who have them on their payroll," Matonya said.
He added that detectives would pursue further legal action against the suspects, including taking them to court where sufficient evidence had been gathered.
The DCI also plans to work with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to determine appropriate measures against politicians linked to violence as the country enters the electioneering period.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns over political violence, with leaders from different political camps accusing their opponents of hiring goons to disrupt rallies and orchestrate attacks.
Police Push to Bar Politicians Linked to Violence
The National Police Service (NPS) has separately pledged to submit the names of politicians implicated in political violence to the IEBC for consideration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli said the police would recommend that individuals with records of promoting or perpetrating violence be prevented from contesting elective positions.
According to Masengeli, the recommendations would focus on politicians whose past conduct raises concerns about their suitability to seek public office.
Police intend to formally write to the electoral commission, identifying individuals they believe should be barred from participating in the upcoming elections.
"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.
He made the remarks on August 25, 2026, during the launch of the Roadmap to a Peaceful General Election 2027.
Kindiki's Rally Attack Raises Fresh Concerns
The renewed push to address political violence follows a series of attacks targeting political leaders at public gatherings in recent weeks.
Politicians across the political divide have faced attacks, raising concerns about security as campaigns and political mobilisation gather momentum ahead of the next General Election.
Among the latest incidents was an attack on Deputy President Kithure Kindiki's rally in Embu on September 12.
The confrontation left one person dead as police officers engaged the attackers in an effort to restore order.
The incident also resulted in property damage, with six vehicles destroyed or damaged, including some belonging to journalists covering the event.
The latest measures by the DCI and the police signal a renewed effort by security agencies to identify individuals suspected of financing political violence and pursue accountability ahead of the 2027 polls.
