Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli speaking on August 25, 2026 / SCREENGRABDeputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has said police will recommend to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) individuals deemed unfit to contest political office based on their track record of promoting or perpetrating violence.
Masengeli said the police would closely monitor political activities ahead of the 2027 General Election and take action against individuals involved in politically instigated violence.
He said the National Police Service would focus on investigations, arrests and crime prevention while ensuring that political and civil rights are respected.
“We will deal with goons firmly and their sponsors. We will recommend to the IEBC those individuals that are not fit to run for office based on their track record of promoting or perpetrating violence in Kenya,” Masengeli said.
Masengeli urged Kenyans and political actors to familiarise themselves with the Constitution, particularly provisions on political and social rights.
“As much as you have all the freedom to do whatever you want to do, there are some limits when it comes to a threat to national security. There are some limits when it comes to the threat to the common good of the public,” he said.
The police boss said security would remain a collective responsibility and challenged political actors to exercise their rights within the limits provided by the Constitution.
“Observe political and civil rights as we know that public and national security is a calling for all of us,” Masengeli said.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has set May 24, 2027, as the deadline for presidential aspirants to submit lists of supporters required for registration ahead of the General Election.
The Commission said each presidential aspirant will be required to present a list containing the names, signatures and identity card or valid passport numbers of at least 2,000 registered voters in a majority of Kenya’s 47 counties.
“Aspirants vying for President shall deliver to the Commission a list bearing the names, respective signatures, identity card or valid Passport numbers of at least 2,000 voters registered in each of a majority of the counties by 24th May 2027,” the IEBC said.
The requirement is part of the electoral preparations for the 2027 General Election, scheduled for August 10, 2027.
The Commission said all nominees would then appear before it for the candidate registration process between May 29 and June 11, 2027, with the specific date depending on the elective position they are seeking.
Presidential aspirants will appear before the commission for the registration process between May 29 and June 11, while those vying for National Assembly will appear between May 29 and June 1.
Senate aspirants will appear before May 29 and June 2, between June 7 and June 11 for County Woman Representative aspirants, June 3 to June 6 for governorship and June 2 to June 11 for MCA aspirants.
“During nomination, the Commission shall register eligible and qualified candidates for election,” the IEBC said.
