Police assure adequate security ahead of Ol Kalou by-election
By Loise Wambugu, July 10, 2026Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has assured residents of Ol Kalou that adequate security measures have been put in place ahead of the upcoming by-election, warning that anyone who attempts to disrupt peace will face the full force of the law.
Speaking after a quarterly meeting of senior Kenya Police Service commanders and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Friday, July 10, 2026, Lagat said security agencies are fully prepared to safeguard the by-election and maintain law and order.
”We have enough security in that particular area of Ol Kalou, and there is no space for anyone to organise criminal activities there,” he said.
Lagat warns goons
He warned that anyone found engaging in violence or organising criminal gangs during the by-election would be placed under police surveillance, arrested and prosecuted.
Lagat said the meeting, which brought together the eight Regional Police Commanders and other senior officers, reviewed policing strategies, assessed emerging security threats and discussed ongoing police reforms.
”We are gathered here today as commanders from the Kenya Police Service and part of the DCI to evaluate ourselves and strategise on how we are going to do our business moving into the future,” he said.
The Deputy Inspector General said the commanders also reviewed the police training curriculum to ensure officers are equipped to respond to emerging forms of crime.
He noted that the discussions focused on combating illicit brews, drug trafficking, criminal gangs and preparations for the country’s election period.
Addressing concerns over rising political incitement, Langat said police would not tolerate criminal acts disguised as political activity.
”We live in a country governed by law and by the Constitution, and as the police we have a mandate to enforce those laws. There is no room for any criminal activities,” he said.
He added that the Inspector General had directed officers to deal firmly with criminal gangs.
”Anyone perpetrating these crimes and advancing them should face the full force of the law. The Inspector General has given us a directive that we deal with goons and criminal gangs.”
Lagat urged Kenyans to refrain from engaging in violence, warning that anyone involved in criminal activities would be arrested and prosecuted.
”Anyone advancing these kinds of criminal activities will not be spared by the rule of law. We will deal with you as per the law.”
He maintained that the country’s security situation remains stable, saying police have the capacity to contain isolated criminal incidents.
”The country is in good shape. We have the capability and the ability to deal with these goons squarely, and in a short while you will see that the issue of goons is going to be handled in the best way possible,” he said.