Nairobi: Kenya must shift from reactive to preventive measures to curb organised political violence ahead of the 2027 General Election, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has said. IPOA Commissioner Dr. Annette Mbogoh highlighted that political violence had evolved into an organized and coordinated threat to constitutional democracy, public safety, and the rule of law, necessitating intelligence-led policing, stronger community partnerships, and accountability for those responsible.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mbogoh emphasized that political goonism is no longer an isolated security concern but a significant threat requiring attention. She spoke at a National Multi-stakeholder on Political Violence meeting, where she mentioned that IPOA had monitored 29 by-elections in 2025 and 2026 and found that organized criminal groups had infiltrated peaceful demonstrations and political gatherings.
The Commissioner warned that such groups are used to intimidate voters, disrupt meetings, and influence electoral participation, which could undermine electoral integrity and public confidence in democracy. As the 2027 General Election approaches, Mbogoh called for comprehensive mapping of electoral hotspots, improved intelligence sharing, and joint planning by security agencies.
She stressed the importance of extending investigations beyond street-level violence to target those who organize, finance, and sponsor political violence. Mbogoh also urged authorities to strengthen community policing, as communities are often the first to detect tensions and criminal mobilization.
Mbogoh highlighted the need for professional and impartial public-order policing, stating that the presence of criminal elements in a demonstration should not lead to indiscriminate treatment of an entire assembly. International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Kenya Chairperson Christine Alai supported this view, emphasizing that Kenya has the constitutional and institutional tools to prevent electoral violence but must confront the networks financing and organizing it.
Alai noted that political violence had become a sophisticated political economy involving recruitment, financing, and mobilization, with digital platforms adding a new dimension through misinformation and hate speech. She warned that the tools of violence now include misinformation and disinformation, amplified by social media and artificial intelligence.
The stakeholders called for stronger coordination among State institutions, civil society, communities, and other actors to develop practical measures for preventing violence and strengthening accountability before the 2027 elections.
