IG Kanja warns against early campaigns, organised gangs ahead of 2027 elections
By Emmanuel Rono, May 15, 2026Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has raised concerns over early political campaigns and the emergence of organised criminal gangs, warning that the trends could threaten peace and stability ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking during a multi-sectoral meeting that brought together key stakeholders in electoral processes on Friday, May 15, 2026, Kanja said security agencies are already monitoring increased political activity across the country.
Kanja noted that some politicians are allegedly using hired gangs to intimidate rivals and disrupt public events.
“Early political arraignments, increasing political intolerance, weaponization of misinformation, and increased mobilization of youth through both physical and digital platforms. The emergence of organized criminal games, inflammatory political rhetoric, online incitements, localized communal tensions, continue to pose evolving threats to election security management,” Kanja stated.
Lessons from previous elections
Kanja has further stated that lessons drawn from the previous electoral period, including the 2007/2008 post-election violence that left hundreds dead and thousands displaced, have demanded the urgent need for enhanced security preparedness ahead of the 2027 polls.
He also cited the tense and often chaotic protests witnessed after the 2017 General Election, as well as the recent wave of anti-government demonstrations by the youth across the country.
“Lessons drawn from the previous electoral cycle, including the 2007-2008 post-election violence, the 2017 electoral protests, and the recent public demonstration by the citizens, by the GenZ that has caused the need for proactive security, preparedness, and warning mechanisms for these coordinated deployments at the strategic communication centers,” Kanja said.
Opposition on fighting goonism
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has recently slammed the rising cases of political goonism in the country, which he says are thriving because the powers of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja have been compromised.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Kameme TV on Monday, May 11, 2026, Kalonzo, while commenting on the growing wave of violence and disruption during political gatherings, said that the United Opposition had already raised the matter of goons attacking their political gatherings directly with the Inspector General.
He has said that nothing much has been done since, suggesting that he may not be fully in control of operations within the National Police Service.
“We discussed the issue of political goonism with the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, who we understand may not have the powers. The work is done by his deputies without his knowledge,” Kalonzo said.