IG Kanja Urges Police to Uphold Neutrality Ahead of 2027 Elections

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has urged police officers to remain neutral, impartial, and professional in the execution of their duties ahead of the 2027 General Election. Speaking during the annual National Joint Thanksgiving Service for uniformed and disciplined services at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi, Kanja emphasized the National Police Service's constitutional obligation to protect the rights of all Kenyans without fear, favour, or prejudice. He stressed that police must provide an environment in which citizens can exercise their rights peacefully.

Kanja directed police officers to remain alert and prepared to respond to emerging security concerns, warning that the coming festive season would bring increased road traffic, commercial activity, public celebrations, and movement of people across the country. He urged officers to intensify efforts against dangerous driving, including speeding, drunk driving, and the use of overloaded vehicles and motorcycles. The Inspector General also appealed to motorists and other road users to exercise caution, noting that increased travel during the holidays presents additional road safety and public security challenges.

The Inspector General further urged police to strengthen crime prevention efforts and work closely with communities to ensure a peaceful festive season. He identified sexual and gender-based violence among the crimes that require attention, urging parents and other responsible adults to take care of children during the school holidays. Kanja emphasized that the duty of the police is to prevent crime in advance, ensuring that society will be safe and secure.

Kanja acknowledged that the festive period would require some officers to spend additional hours on duty, away from their families, to maintain security across the country. He thanked families for supporting officers through the demands of their profession, as well as religious leaders and service commanders for their continued contribution to the welfare of uniformed personnel. The annual thanksgiving service brought together officers and representatives from various disciplined services, including the National Police Service, Kenya Forest Service, and Kenya Prisons Service.

The gathering marked the culmination of 18 thanksgiving services held in different parts of the country throughout the year. Representing the Chief Conservator of Forests, Deputy Commandant of the Kenya Forest Service, Wilson Leboo, used the occasion to call on institutions and members of the public to support the national tree-growing campaign. Leboo urged Kenyans to take advantage of the ongoing rains and support the national target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032.

The service also honoured officers who had died in the line of duty, with Kanja calling for remembrance of their sacrifices and continued support for serving personnel and their families. The Inspector General's address was in line with the National Police Service's efforts to maintain neutrality and professionalism, particularly during electoral periods. This move is seen as a crucial step in ensuring a peaceful and credible 2027 General Election.

The call for neutrality and professionalism comes amid concerns about the increasing politicization of security agencies in Kenya. Kanja's address serves as a reminder of the critical role that the police play in maintaining peace and security during elections. By upholding their constitutional obligations, police officers can ensure that citizens exercise their rights freely and that the electoral process is conducted in a fair and transparent manner.

Key points

• Kanja emphasized the importance of police neutrality ahead of the 2027 General Election.
• The Inspector General urged officers to remain alert and prepared to respond to emerging security concerns during the festive season.
• Kanja called for strengthened crime prevention efforts and collaboration with communities to ensure a peaceful festive season.