Police to Recommend Barring Candidates Linked to Political Violence in 2027 Polls, Says DIG Masengeli

The National Police Service (NPS) has announced plans to recommend to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) that individuals associated with political violence be disqualified from participating in the 2027 General Election.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli made the declaration on Tuesday, August 25, during the launch of the Roadmap to a Peaceful General Election 2027. He emphasized that the recommendations will focus on candidates whose past actions indicate involvement in or promotion of violence.

"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 stated.

He also issued a stern warning to political thugs and their sponsors, affirming that the police will take decisive action against anyone involved in inciting or engaging in violence. Masengeli urged all Kenyans and political actors to respect both political and civil rights while adhering to national security and public safety limits.

"Political freedoms should never be used to threaten national security or undermine the common good," he added, highlighting the constitutional boundaries on political activities.

The announcement comes amid heightened concerns over escalating political violence ahead of the 2027 elections. Recent incidents include the violent outbreak at the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay on August 16, which resulted in at least four deaths, multiple injuries, and significant property damage. Preliminary investigations suggest the violence stemmed from clashes involving sponsored goons targeting supporters linked to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

Previously, police have warned that individuals who recruit, finance, or arm criminal elements to cause unrest will face prosecution. In parallel, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has indicated that the commission is prepared to sanction politicians implicated in violence, including imposing fines or disqualifying them from contesting.

"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 during a past event.