No Free Pass: Police Boss Warns Politicians Funding Gangs Ahead of 2027 Elections
In a bold move, Nuno announced that elected leaders and aspirants who opt to move around with hired goons will risk losing their officially assigned security detail.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Eve N Njeri
Politicians plotting to destabilize the Coast region ahead of the 2027 General Election have been put on notice, as security agencies vow to take firm action against those sponsoring criminal gangs and fanning political violence.
Coast Regional Police Commander (RPC) Ali Nuno has issued a stern warning to political leaders against inciting violence or financing outlawed groups, saying the National Police Service will deal decisively with anyone found culpable, regardless of their political stature.
Addressing the press from the Coast Regional Police Headquarters in Mombasa on Tuesday, Nuno said security is the cornerstone of economic growth, investment and the livelihoods of coastal residents, and will not be sacrificed for political expediency. He urged leaders to keep off security matters and allow security agencies to discharge their mandate independently.
“Security is not a political tool. 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,” Nuno said.
The police boss expressed concern over emerging trends where some aspirants are reportedly recruiting and arming youth gangs to intimidate opponents and disrupt political gatherings ahead of the polls. He warned that such activities amount to political hooliganism and will be met with the full force of the law.
In a bold move, Nuno announced that elected leaders and aspirants who opt to move around with hired goons will risk losing their officially assigned security detail.
“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. We are determined to stop political hooliganism before it escalates,” he warned.
The commander reiterated that the National Police Service will remain impartial and professional throughout the electioneering period, assuring residents that security agencies will not take sides or be used to settle political scores.
He called on politicians to focus on issue-based campaigns and sell their development agendas to the electorate instead of resorting to smear campaigns, intimidation and chaos.
“Kenya is bigger than any individual. Leaders should sell their development agenda to the electorate instead of creating chaos that threatens national peace and cohesion,” Nuno emphasized.
The warning comes amid rising political temperatures at the Coast, where cases of gang activity linked to political mobilization have previously disrupted peace, particularly in Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi counties.
Nuno assured residents and investors that security agencies have heightened surveillance and intelligence gathering, and urged members of the public to report any politicians or individuals engaging in activities that threaten peace ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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