IG Kanja assures Kenyans of peace as police begin nationwide security preparations for 2027 elections

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has assured Kenyans of a peaceful 2027 election, saying the police service is prepared to maintain law and order.

Speaking after a two-day meeting of police commanders from across the country, IG Kanja outlined plans for inter-agency coordination to secure the polls.

With about ten months to the General Election, security agencies are beginning to align their strategies, stepping up preparations to maintain peace and order throughout the electoral period.

IG Kanja said officers had submitted their security briefs and received the necessary sensitisation ahead of the polls.

“We must be able to prepare to support those phases…the IEBC has clearly spoken to the officers to understand the enormous responsibility that is before the police service and they have understood,” he said.

Kanja also highlighted ongoing inter-agency collaboration to develop a comprehensive security matrix, with all preparations guided by the law and established legal frameworks.

“The ODPP has assured us of support from their end and also IPOA because we all work together and I am very happy that while they go back to their regions and counties, they are well prepared,” he said.

At a separate event in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the 2027 elections should be a test of candidates’ delivery record to Kenyans, warning that anyone planning to disrupt the electoral process would face firm action.

“Hii uchaguzi haitakuwa na vita yoyote, itakuwa ni mashindano ya sera, kila mmoja auze sera yake, kila mtu aweke report card kwa meza na wasitoroke,” said CS Murkomen.

The conference comes at the backdrop of an order by the High Court to the National Police Service (NPS) to establish clear regulations governing the use of force and firearm use during public protests.