The National Police Service (NPS) will recommend to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) that individuals linked to political violence be barred from contesting in the 2027 General Election, Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has said.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Speaking on Tuesday, August 25, during the launch of the Roadmap to a Peaceful General Election 2027, Masengeli said the recommendations would target individuals whose track records show they have promoted or perpetrated violence in Kenya.

According to the DIG, their recommendations will specifically include those seeking elective positions in the coming elections and will write to the IEBC to ban them from contesting.

"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 said.

📌 What You Need to Know

Masengeli also issued a warning to political goons and those who sponsor them, saying the police would take action against individuals involved in violence.

In his address, the police boss urged Kenyans and political actors to respect political and civil rights while observing the limits imposed by national security and public safety.

He said political freedoms should not be used to threaten national security or undermine the common good.

"I also challenge you to go back to the Constitution and get a glimpse of political and social rights as per our Constitu tion. In this regard, as much as you have all the freedom to do whatever you want to do, but there are some limits when it comes to threats to the national security," he added.

His remarks come amid renewed concerns over the increase in political violence ahead of the general elections, following incidents witnessed in political gatherings in recent weeks.

During the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay on August 16, at least four deaths were reported, with several others injured, and properties worth millions were destroyed.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke