Editor's Review

Kanja revealed that NPS will strengthen the security agencies' coordination and multi-agency collaboration.

On Wednesday, September 2, Police Inspector General (IG)Douglas Kanja highlighted the measures the National Police Service will undertake to identify and mitigate potential security threats before, during and after the 2027 General Elections.

Speaking during an engagement forum with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Kanja highlighted key strategies which will be implemented, including the strengthening of the security agencies' coordination and multi-agency collaboration.

He added that the police will align security operations with electoral laws and regulations, and IEBC processes.

The IG confirmed that the NPS will develop an election security deployment and communication plan. He added that the Police plans to build the capacity of security personnel through training and leadership sensitisation.

Kanja intimated that law enforcement officers will also beef up security of IEBC officials who will be charged with conducting the elections.

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A file photo of IG Douglas Kanja with IEBC Chair Erastus Ethekon.

"The plan includes protecting electoral personnel, infrastructure and processes throughout the election cycle," the police boss reiterated.

He reiterated his commitment to deliver a peaceful election, and reassured Kenyans that the police will be neutral, non-discriminatory, accountable, and will work within the confines of the law.

"We don't have any other country. This is our motherland, and we need it intact before, during and after elections," he stated.

On his part, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon confirmed that 200,000 police officers were under special training ahead of the 2027 polls.

Ethekon issued a warning to politicians and media houses spreading propaganda about the independence of the electoral commission.

He reckoned that the allegations risked damaging the public trust in the electoral commission, and called on members of the Fourth Estate to do due diligence before publishing allegations made by politicians.

Ethekon clarified that the Commission's independence did not mean that it should operate in a vacuum. He added that the environment in which IEBC operates demands that the Commission collaborate with other institutions and stakeholders.

He maintained that IEBC would work with other institutions to secure the peace in the country during the elections, and that the vote in 2027 will be free and fair.