Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has declared that the era of goons is ending, reiterating the government’s commitment to maintain peace as the country prepares for the General Election next year.
At the same time, Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has directed regional and county police commanders to deal firmly with criminal gangs and goons ahead of the polls.
“As the Cabinet Secretary for Security, I want to assure you that we have put in place strategies to ensure that the 2027 elections will be free, fair, and peaceful. We will not allow anyone to bring violence,” Mr Murkomen said in Kamoi, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, on Friday.
He noted that security agencies had intensified operations against criminal elements involved in disrupting political gatherings and intimidating Kenyans.
“We have put in place the right measures. You have seen us arresting criminals in Kitale, Kakamega, Central, Nairobi, and all other places we had them. The era of goons is coming to an end,” he said.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja (right) with Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli during the sensitisation forum on the New Service Standing Orders and police reforms at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong, Kajiado County, on August 12, 2026.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
He added that the government would sustain the crackdown in areas previously affected by political violence, emphasising that the next election must be driven by ideas and policy proposals rather than intimidation and conflict.
“This coming election will be a competition of policies, with everyone selling their agenda,” he said.
Mr Kanja has separately revealed that the National Police Service has set measures to ensure that the country is safe before, during and after the elections.
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In the latest move aimed at firming up the security plans, on Friday the IG met senior police commanders from the three services (Kenya Police, Administration Police, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations) at the National Police Leadership Academy.
Different speakers, among them officials from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC), addressed the meeting.
Mr Kanja told the senior police commanders to deal with goons as one of the security measures that will enhance a peaceful election.
“If you don’t deal with goons and gangs in your areas now, they will be a menace to all of us. The fight against goons and criminal gangs is a responsibility of all commanders. The process of securing elections starts now, by coming up with proper strategies in your areas,” said Mr Kanja.
During the two-day conference, the police commanders held discussions on how to deal with the security in their areas of command.
Last Wednesday in Naivasha, Mr Kanja met the Senate Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration to brief lawmakers on – among other issues – the measures that the National Police Service had undertaken to ensure a peaceful, inclusive and secure 2027 General Election.
Mr Kanja told the committee that the service was implementing reforms aimed at boosting security preparations. He added that police commanders were studying the security management during the last elections and were refining their operations.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja (front row, second right), flanked by his two two deputies Gilbert Masengeli (left) and Eliud Langat (second left) along with the Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin (right), follow proceedings at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi on September 28, 2026.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group
The IG added that the police had changed their operations and are currently engaging in intelligence-led operations, noting that his officers would adhere to human rights in their operations.
Mr Kanja said the police are following up on cases of political incitement, goons and individuals spreading hate and propaganda on social media.
To further make sure that his officers are well prepared to handle the security, the IG said some of the police were undergoing specialised training that will enhance their operations.
Speaking to the media after the Ngong meeting, Mr Kanja said he had directed police chiefs to work in harmony with the media.
“I want you to work closely with the media because we are working in the same space. Talk to the media and let them know what we are doing as a service to improve on the communication to the public,” Mr Kanja said. “In public order management, we have been accused of abuses of human rights. It’s your responsibility to ensure that you adhere to the guardrails of human rights.”
Mr Kanja last week announced the promotions of both senior and junior police officers. The changes are in line with the preparations by the police service to deal with security during the polls.
