Politicians with a history of promoting or perpetrating violence could face trouble securing clearance to contest in the 2027 General Election.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli said the National Police Service will recommend to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) individuals it considers unfit to run for public office.
Masengeli said the decision will be based on the conduct and track record of politicians, particularly those linked to political violence.
“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 on Tuesday.
He spoke during the launch of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission’s Roadmap to a Peaceful General Election 2027 in Nairobi.
Masengeli also warned politicians who recruit, finance or organise gangs to cause chaos at political events.
“We will deal with goons firmly and their sponsors,” he said.
The police boss said security agencies will investigate cases of politically instigated violence, make arrests and take preventive measures as the country moves closer to the 2027 polls.
Masengeli further reminded politicians and their supporters that political freedoms come with constitutional limits.
He said Kenyans have a right to participate in political activities, but that freedom cannot be used to threaten national security or the safety of other citizens.
“As much as you have all the freedom to do whatever you want to do, there are some limits when it comes to a threat to national security,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when political activity is intensifying across the country, with parties and politicians already positioning themselves for the 2027 contest.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also warned politicians against threats and intimidation, saying violence should not only be viewed through physical attacks.
“The moment someone feels like in a certain community or locality I cannot be allowed to speak about my political views freely because I have been intimidated. That is violence,” Murkomen said.
Murkomen said the 2027 elections should give Kenyans an opportunity to compete politically without destroying or intimidating their opponents.
“The 2027 therefore is an opportunity for us to disagree without dividing, to compete without destroying, and to choose leaders without violence,” he said.
The NCIC roadmap launched on Tuesday seeks to prevent hate speech, ethnic mobilisation, political incitement and election-related violence ahead of the August 10, 2027 General Election.
The latest warning from the police puts politicians and their supporters on notice as the country enters an increasingly heated political season.
It also signals closer cooperation between security agencies and the electoral body in dealing with candidates whose conduct could threaten a peaceful election.
However, the process of determining whether an aspirant is legally qualified to contest remains subject to the Constitution and electoral laws, with the IEBC responsible for registering eligible candidates.
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