Police to Submit List of ‘Unfit’ Politicians to IEBC

The Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has said the National Police Service will recommend to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) individuals it considers unfit to contest political office ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during the launch of the Roadmap to a Peaceful General Election 2027 on Tuesday, August 25, Masengeli said the recommendations would be based on the track record of individuals in promoting or perpetrating political violence in Kenya.

“We recommend to the IEBC those individuals who are unsuitable for managing offices based on their record of promoting or detaining violent individuals in Kenya,” Mangele stated.

Police to Flag 2027 Aspirants Over Political Violence, Masengeli Says

According to the DIG, police will closely monitor political activities as the country prepares for the 2027 elections.

He said they would focus on investigations, arrests, and crime prevention while taking action against individuals involved in politically motivated violence.

In addition, Masengeli said the approach was aimed at preventing political violence while maintaining public safety ahead of the elections.

Also Read: IEBC Clarifies Academic Requirements for Kenyans Seeking Presidential, Gubernatorial and MP Seats 

The police boss further noted that security agencies would continue investigating incidents of politically motivated violence and arrest individuals found to have committed offences.

At the same time, Masengeli said the National Police Service would respect political and civil rights as provided for under the Constitution.

He urged Kenyans and political actors to familiarise themselves with the Constitution, particularly provisions relating to political and social rights.

The DIG added that political freedoms should be exercised within the limits set by the Constitution, particularly where public safety and national security are concerned.

Ethekon Warns Politicians Linked to Violence

Masengeli’s remarks follow the IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon’s statements that the electoral commission could take action against politicians linked to violence, including disqualification from contesting in the 2027 elections.

“We will take appropriate action, including fining them and if it is really tough we will even disqualify some of them from contesting,” Ethekon said .

Also Read: IEBC Issues Fresh Directive on Aspirants Using Its Logo on Campaign Posters

Erastus made those remarks following the chaotic Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay, which left at least four deaths with several others injured and properties worth millions destroyed on August 16.

The chaos occurred when sponsored goons allegedly attacked supporters of the Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna-led team before retaliation.

Separately, Chief Justice Martha Koome called on the IEBC to disqualify politicians found to be sponsoring goons, saying the era of issuing warnings without consequences should come to an end.

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IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon speaks during a National Stakeholder Engagement forum in Nairobi on July 30, 2026, marking the final phase of public participation on the Election Campaign Financing Regulations, 2026. PHOTO/ IEBC