Kanja warns police commanders against tolerating political gangs ahead of 2027 elections

Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has cautioned senior police commanders against allowing criminal gangs and those with political ties to operate within their areas of responsibility ahead of the 2027 General Election. Kanja stated that commanders will be held personally accountable for the presence and actions of these groups, with ineffective policing treated as negligence and resulting in disciplinary consequences.

He emphasized that commanders must demonstrate zero tolerance for any form of criminal gangs and goons in the areas they oversee. At the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong, Kanja closed a conference aimed at assessing the police's security readiness for the upcoming election. He highlighted the need for the police to bolster security infrastructure and maintain order during the electoral process, citing the growing concerns around security threats, inflammatory political discourse, and ethnic incitement.

Kanja introduced the Election Preparedness Work Plan and a General Election Preparedness Matrix, which integrate input from various stakeholders and will serve as the foundation for coordinated security measures in the months leading up to the election. He directed commanders to identify electoral hotspots, intensify crackdowns on criminal gangs, and address the increasing issues of illicit alcohol and drugs, which he deemed potential sources of unrest.

Kanja stressed the importance of adopting proactive, intelligence-led strategies over reactive approaches to criminal activities. He also called for better training in public order management and anti-riot operations to minimize injuries among officers, avoid unnecessary use of force, and reduce complaints against the police. Additionally, Kanja emphasized the need for the Internal Affairs Directorate to continue sensitizing the police on public order management and handling demonstrations.

Regarding police communication, he urged commanders to engage the media proactively, providing accurate and timely information on security incidents to prevent misinformation and maintain public trust. However, he warned that police harassment of journalists would not be accepted and directed commanders to ensure their personnel understand the significance of working constructively with the media.

Kanja also expressed concern over the rising number of road accidents, particularly along major highways, and urged the police to intensify enforcement efforts as the country nears the festive season. He stressed the importance of public awareness campaigns, vehicle inspections, and strict adherence to traffic regulations to prevent additional fatalities.

Lastly, Kanja reiterated the National Police Service's commitment to remaining politically neutral, accountable, and professional throughout the electoral period, urging commanders to ensure their officers maintain discipline, manage operations appropriately, and base their decisions on the rule of law.