Nairobi: The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, has issued a stern warning to politicians against engaging in political violence, hooliganism, and hate speech in the lead-up to the high-stakes 2027 General Election. Mr. Ingonga emphasized that any violations of the law will be met with prosecution, irrespective of political affiliation or status.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mr. Ingonga addressed the media during the conclusion of the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) forum in Mombasa. He highlighted the justice sector’s proactive measures in preparing for the elections by enhancing coordination among relevant institutions to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process. The NCAJ reaffirmed its commitment to a justice system that is accessible, responsive, and people-centered during its 38th Council meeting.
The DPP expressed concern regarding the spread of hate speech by political figures, warning of its potential threat to democracy, peace, unity, and the credibility of the upcoming elections. Mr. Ingonga underscored that hate speech infringes on fundamental human rights, including dignity, equality, and non-discrimination, and stated that no democratic society can thrive where individuals are targeted based on ethnicity, religion, or political affiliations.
In collaboration with the National Police Service (NPS), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), and other state agencies, the DPP’s office is actively working to prevent election-related offences. Mr. Ingonga voiced concerns about the increase in political hooliganism and inflammatory remarks at political gatherings, emphasizing that perpetrators will face legal consequences.
He urged Kenyans to reject hate speech, verify information before sharing on social media, and report cases of incitement, discrimination, and violence to authorities. ‘We do not have categories, whether one is in government or in the opposition. Our responsibility is to peace and stability and anyone found culpable of political hooliganism will be dealt with according to the law,’ he stated.
Mr. Ingonga also noted that politicians making inflammatory statements will face investigations and prosecution in collaboration with investigative and enforcement agencies. ‘We only have one country and we will not allow individuals pursuing selfish interests to incite the people into a state of anarchy, those responsible will be brought to book,’ he declared.
The DPP’s comments coincided with the NCAJ’s rollout of training for its committees nationwide to boost election preparedness and reinforce collaboration among justice-sector institutions ahead of the 2027 General Election. Chief Justice and NCAJ Chairperson, Martha Koome, assured that the justice sector has established coordinated structures to ensure adequate preparation for the elections, which will enhance public confidence in the electoral process.
Addressing the same event, Chief Justice Koome refuted claims of a crisis within the justice sector, affirming that NCAJ institutions remain united and focused on strengthening justice administration. She emphasized the importance of reform discussions in reinforcing institutional strength.
Koome further noted that the forum included leaders from all justice-sector institutions, such as the Law Society of Kenya, to review reforms and improve coordination for the upcoming elections. She highlighted the collaborative efforts beyond the national level through Court Users Committees at every court station across the country, which play a vital role in improving access to justice and supporting peaceful and credible elections in 2027.
