Politicians who choose to surround themselves with hired gangs could lose their official police protection, the Coast Regional Police Commander has warned, as security agencies seek to curb political violence ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election.
Speaking at the Coast Regional Police Headquarters in Mombasa, Commander Ali Nuno said the National Police Service would not continue providing officers to leaders who rely on criminal groups for security or political influence.
“If it becomes necessary for elected leaders to move around with hired hooligans for protection, then we shall have no option but to withdraw the security officers assigned to them,” Nuno said. “We are determined to stop political hooliganism before it escalates.”
His remarks come at a time when concerns over politically motivated violence are growing in parts of the country, with rival groups accusing one another of disrupting rallies and intimidating opponents through organised gangs.
Nuno said the police would not tolerate leaders who sponsor violence or interfere with law enforcement for political gain. He stressed that security agencies must be allowed to operate independently and without political pressure.
“Security is not a political tool,” he said. “It is the foundation upon which our economy, investments and the livelihoods of our people are built. We ask political leaders to allow security agencies to carry out their mandate without interference.”
He urged politicians to campaign on policies and development plans rather than intimidation or personal attacks, arguing that peaceful competition was essential to preserving national unity.
“Kenya is bigger than any individual,” Nuno said. “Leaders should sell their development agenda to the electorate instead of creating chaos that threatens national peace and cohesion.”
The police commander assured political parties that officers would continue providing security during campaigns, rallies and public meetings to help ensure a peaceful electoral process.
As an example, Nuno pointed to the recent Coast tour by the opposition-aligned Linda Mwananchi movement, which included a rally in Mwatate, Taita Taveta County. The delegation, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, endorsed Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako for the county’s governorship in the 2027 election. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo also attended.
According to Nuno, the tour concluded without reports of political violence or disruption, demonstrating that rival political activities can proceed peacefully when organisers and supporters respect the law. He added that several political groups have recently held meetings across the Coast region without incident.
Separately, the regional police commander dismissed claims circulating across the Coast that people had mysteriously lost their private parts after encounters with strangers, describing the reports as false and dangerous.
He warned that criminals were exploiting the rumours to rob members of the public and trigger mob attacks against innocent people.
“I want to assure residents that these claims are false,” Nuno said. “If someone alleges that his private parts have disappeared after meeting another person, members of the public should immediately notify the police instead of taking the law into their own hands.”
Police have recorded 51 incidents linked to the rumours across the Coast region. Nuno said 50 suspects had been arrested. The incidents have also led to 11 people being injured in mob attacks, while five others have been killed.
He urged residents to ignore misinformation, report suspicious incidents to the police and work with security agencies to maintain peace and public order as political activity gathers pace ahead of the 2027 elections.
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