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Police chiefs map strategy to curb campaign violence
Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja.
Police chiefs from across the country have stepped up preparations to manage election related security, with Inspector-General Douglas Kanja warning politicians and youth against engaging in violence during political campaigns and public gatherings.
Mr Kanja said the police force is prepared to deal with anyone planning or causing chaos in the country, noting that 10,000 police officers who will graduate this year will help strengthen the fight against crime. This comes as politicians across the country engage in early campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election with chaos witnessed in some rallies.
Speaking in Matuga, Kwale County while meeting intelligence and Directorate of Criminal Investigations chiefs from all 47 counties, the Inspector-General said police officers have already been given directives and new strategies have been developed to ensure security is maintained during all public meetings.
“We held a meeting with senior county officers, and the issue of elections was one of the matters we discussed. We have issued instructions on how to deal with violence without discrimination and have put in place strategies to arrest anyone who breaks the law,” said Mr Kanja, after the Friday meeting.
Incidents of attacks and disruptions have been witnessed at several political meetings and even in churches. For some time, the police have faced criticism for alleged bias, with opposition groups claiming they are often targeted.
However, the police chief added that the intelligence officers had also agreed on strategies to combat money laundering, terrorism, and other criminal activities. Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin said they are dealing with money laundering to remove Kenya from the grey list.
"The government is strengthening efforts to combat illicit financial flows and potentially get off the Financial Action Task Force's grey list," said Mr Amin.
Kenya was placed on the grey list in February 2024 due to weaknesses in combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and illicit arms trade. Grey listing has led to increased scrutiny of Kenya’s financial sector, including stricter monitoring of international transactions involving local banks.
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