Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has directed police commanders to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards criminal gangs and politically motivated goons ahead of the 2027 General Election. He warned that ineffective policing in areas where these groups operate would be treated as negligence by the officers in charge. Kanja made these remarks during the Senior Commanders Election Security Preparedness Conference at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong on October 30, 2026.
Kanja emphasized that individual commanders must have zero tolerance for all forms of criminal gangs and goons. He stated that failure to contain such groups would attract consequences for individual commanders, urging officers to eradicate the culture of goonism before it was too late. The Inspector-General said police commanders must prioritize intelligence-led crackdowns on criminal gangs rather than wait for incidents to occur before responding.
The National Police Service has already witnessed emerging security threats, political rhetoric, and ethnic incitement as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election, which is about ten months away. Kanja said strengthening security infrastructure was essential to guaranteeing an environment in which Kenyans could exercise their democratic rights and civic obligations during the elections.
Kanja urged regional, formations, and county commanders to continuously map security hotspots and sustain operations against criminal gangs, illicit alcohol, and drugs, which he identified as potential triggers for violence. He said success in addressing these threats would contribute to peaceful and secure elections. The police chief said officers had been taken through the Election Preparedness Work Plan and the General Election Preparedness Matrix to guide security planning in the months leading up to the polls.
The Inspector-General also directed commanders to prioritize training on public order management and anti-riot drills as part of preparations for election-related security operations. He said regular training would help minimize injuries among police officers, reduce instances of excessive force, and address complaints against officers. Kanja called on commanders to ensure that police officers understood their responsibilities and worked with other agencies to secure a peaceful, secure, and inclusive 2027 General Election.
Kanja reminded officers that the National Police Service must remain apolitical and accountable throughout the election period. He urged officers to serve all Kenyans equally and uphold patriotism, the rule of law, and professional standards. The Inspector-General also raised concerns over the number of fatal traffic accidents reported along major highways in recent weeks and called on commanders to intensify public awareness campaigns, vehicle inspections, and enforcement of traffic laws.
Key points
- Kanja directs police commanders to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards criminal gangs and politically motivated goons ahead of the 2027 General Election.
- The Inspector-General emphasizes the importance of intelligence-led crackdowns on criminal gangs to eradicate the culture of goonism.
- Kanja reminds officers that the National Police Service must remain apolitical and accountable throughout the election period.
