IG Kanja directs commanders to intensify crackdown on gangs, goons ahead of 2027 polls

IG Kanja directs commanders to intensify crackdown on gangs, goons ahead of 2027 polls

IG Kanja called on commanders to move away from reactive policing and instead adopt intelligence-led operations to dismantle criminal networks before they trigger violence.

The Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has directed police commanders to intensify intelligence-led crackdowns on criminal gangs and politically linked goons as security agencies step up preparations for the 2027 General Election.

“My directives on criminal gangs and goons have been very clear. I have reaffirmed that individual commanders must have zero tolerance for all forms of criminal gangs and goons,” Kanja said during the second day of a senior commanders’ election security preparedness conference.

Kanja called on commanders to move away from reactive policing and instead adopt intelligence-led operations to dismantle criminal networks before they trigger violence.

He also directed police commanders to strengthen public order management through continuous training on crowd control, electoral laws and anti-riot drills.

The IG said the training would help minimise injuries to officers, reduce instances of excessive force and address complaints against police officers.

The directives come as the National Police Service (NPS) intensifies preparations for the 2027 elections, with the IG warning that emerging security threats, political rhetoric and ethnic incitement could undermine a peaceful electoral process.

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A view of the entrance to Vigilance House, the National Police Service Headquarters in Nairobi. (Photo: NPS)

As such, Kanja urged commanders to map security hotspots, sustain operations against criminal gangs and tackle illicit alcohol and drug abuse, which he identified as potential triggers of violence.

The election preparedness plans had been developed to guide security operations before, during and after voting, as police are expected to work alongside other agencies to deliver peaceful, secure and inclusive elections.

Kanja further called on regional, formation and county commanders to communicate proactively with the media, saying timely and factual information would help counter misinformation and preserve public trust in the police.

He again warned that harassment of journalists by police officers would not be tolerated and urged commanders to promote constructive relations between the media and security agencies.

At the same time, he called for intensified traffic enforcement, vehicle inspections and public awareness campaigns ahead of the festive season following a series of fatal accidents on major highways.

He also reminded officers that the National Police Service must remain politically neutral and accountable, directing commanders to ensure operations were responsibly managed and all citizens served equally.

The IG's remarks come as Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen separately assured Kenyans that the government was prepared to deliver peaceful, free and fair elections in 2027.

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen. (Photo: Murkomen/X)

Speaking in Kamoi, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Murkomen said security agencies had intensified operations against individuals accused of disrupting political gatherings and intimidating members of the public.

“You have seen us arresting criminals here in Kitale, Kakamega, Central, Nairobi, and all other places we had them. The era of goons is coming to an end,” Murkomen said.

He pledged to sustain the crackdown in areas previously affected by political violence, insisting that the forthcoming election should be determined by competing policies rather than intimidation.

“This coming election will be a competition of policies, with everyone selling their agenda,” he said.

Murkomen added that the government had put measures in place to safeguard the electoral process and would not allow violence to disrupt political activities.

“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,” he said.