DIG Masengeli: Police to map out election violence hotspots ahead of 2027 polls

Administration Police Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli appears in court to answer for contempt on September 20, 2024.

The National Police Service (NPS) has commenced a mapping exercise to identify areas prone to election-related violence as the nation gears up for the 2027 General Election.

Speaking at the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) National Stakeholders Conference on Peace Ahead of the 2027 Elections on Monday, Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli said the NPS will deploy an intelligence-led exercise to map all hotspots.

He maintained that the Service will uphold public safety, and sponsored political violence will not be condoned in the country.

"For us as police, our main aim is to make sure the public is safe. We still demand that politicians refrain from making remarks that use young people as shields for their political gains," he said

"We are putting more focus on areas prone to election-related violence. Political hooliganism and gangs must be confronted early and decisively, as we cannot allow the disruption of meetings or destruction of property. Our approach will be lawful and intelligence-guided."

He condemned the violence and deaths reported during a political gathering in Embu County on Saturday held by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, urging the youth to refrain from accepting handouts from politicians to disrupt political gatherings.

DIG Masengeli added that a crackdown on the suspects has been launched to apprehend those involved in the attack.

"Young people should refrain from joining political movements whose final intentions they do not know. We will always go after those who commit these acts and those who fund them," he said.

"What rationale do you have for burning someone's vehicle, like what happened in Embu? Why can't they burn their own cars? We have to be guided by the rule of law. We need restraint and early action to prevent tensions from escalating. In Kenya, we have good laws; the problem is implementing them.”

During the rally, two people were feared dead and several vehicles were reportedly set on fire after hundreds of youths attempted to gain access to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) meeting, which had been restricted to invited officials and other designated participants.

The restrictions left scores of youths outside the venue, triggering a confrontation with police.

On his part, Registrar of Political Parties John Cox Lorionokou said that political parties will now be held accountable if allied politicians are linked to sponsored violence.

"These politicians are the trouble that we have been witnessing. We do not have the powers to regulate individual officials, but we will hold their political parties accountable for their behavior," he said.

"We will be very strict during political party primaries and nominations. Are they fair, transparent and peaceful? This is important ahead of the main election."

He called for expeditious action against political incitement, warning of dire ramifications if the encouraged vice is not nipped in the bud.

“The pressure and competition are intensifying, with political temperatures rising rapidly. Unfortunately, the direction is dangerous and ruthless, full of tension, fear and loss of lives. Though political competition is valid, it should not come at such costs as we are seeing," he said.