The National Police Service (NPS) plans to recommend that individuals linked to political violence be barred from contesting in the 2027 General Election, Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has announced.
Speaking on Tuesday, August 25, during the launch of the Roadmap to a Peaceful General Election 2027, Masengeli revealed that the recommendations would focus on individuals with records of promoting or perpetrating violence in Kenya.
The Deputy Inspector General noted that the proposal would specifically target people seeking elective office in the 2027 polls. He added that the police would formally write to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) seeking to have the individuals barred from contesting.
"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 warned political goons and those who finance or facilitate them, insisting that the police would take action against anyone involved in acts of violence.
He urged Kenyans and political players to exercise their political and civil rights responsibly while respecting the limits set by national security and public safety considerations.
The police boss cautioned that political freedoms should not be exploited in ways that endanger national security or undermine the interests of the wider public.
"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 come against the backdrop of growing concerns over political violence ahead of the 2027 General Election, following a series of incidents reported at political gatherings in recent weeks.
During the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay on August 16, at least four people were reported dead, while several others sustained injuries and property worth millions of shillings was destroyed.
Preliminary reports indicated that the violence erupted after sponsored goons allegedly attacked supporters of a team led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, triggering retaliation.
Police have previously warned individuals who recruit, finance, mobilise or arm criminal groups for purposes of causing violence that they would be identified, pursued and prosecuted.
Separately, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has indicated that the electoral commission could take action against politicians associated with political violence, including disqualifying them from the 2027 elections.
"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 at a previous event.
