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Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has warned that early political campaigns, organized criminal groups, and rising political intolerance could threaten the peace of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an IEBC–Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) breakfast meeting in Nairobi, Kanja said the current political environment is already characterized by heightened political activity, early political arrangements, and increased mobilization of youth through both physical and digital platforms.
“The environment is characterized by heightened political activity, early political arraignments, increasing political intolerance, weaponization of misinformation, and increased mobilization of youth through both physical and digital platforms,” Kanja said.
He added that these developments, if not addressed, could escalate tensions and undermine election security management.
IG Kanja Addresses Risks to Peaceful 2027 General Election
The Inspector General also raised concern over the emergence of organized criminal groups and online incitement, saying they continue to pose evolving threats to electoral stability.
He argued that localized communal tensions are contributing to the growing security risks as political competition intensifies ahead of the polls.
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Additionally, Kanja referred to past election cycles, warning that Kenya must learn from previous unrest to avoid a repeat of violence.
“Lessons drawn from the previous electoral cycle, including the 2007–2008 post-election violence, the 2017 electoral protests have caused the need for proactive security preparedness and warning mechanisms,” Kanja added.
He stressed that past experiences highlight the importance of early planning and coordinated security responses.
He noted that these developments are creating new and shifting risks to election management and national stability.
IEBC Raises Concern Over Political Violence and Limited Mandate
During the same meeting, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) also raised concern over reported cases of political violence and alleged goonism ahead of the 2027 elections.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, however, clarified that the commission’s powers on such matters are limited by law and only become fully enforceable once elections are officially declared.
“We have the electoral code of conduct, but it only becomes enforceable once the election period is gazetted and candidates are registered. That is when political actors formally fall under our jurisdiction,” he said.
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Ethekon noted that while IEBC is continuing with preparations, including ongoing voter registration, the prevailing political environment remains a key concern.
He further revealed that some IEBC offices were reportedly attacked during the Continuous Voter Registration exercise, calling for respect for democratic processes.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon presiding over an internal validation workshop of the Strategic Plan 2024-2029 at Sawela Lodges in Naivasha on August 29, 2025. PHOTO/IEBC X.
