Coast Regional Police Commander (RPC) Ali Nuno has warned politicians against inciting violence and hiring criminal gangs ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying security agencies will firmly enforce the law to safeguard peace and stability across the region.
Speaking at the Coast Regional Police Headquarters in Mombasa, Nuno cautioned political leaders against turning security into a campaign tool, stressing that peace and public safety are fundamental to economic growth, investment, and the livelihoods of Kenyans.
He said security agencies require operational independence to pursue criminals without political interference and assured the public that the National Police Service would remain impartial throughout the electioneering period.
“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 regional police commander warned that politicians found sponsoring violence, hiring goons, or orchestrating acts of intimidation would face the full force of the law.
He further cautioned that Members of Parliament or other leaders who choose to move around with hired gangs risk having their official police security withdrawn.
“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 said.
Nuno urged politicians to conduct issue-based campaigns focused on development rather than promoting violence, intimidation, or personal attacks.
“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,” he added.
The police commander assured all political parties that security agencies would provide adequate protection during political meetings and campaigns to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
He cited the recent Coast tour by the opposition-aligned Linda Mwananchi movement as an example that political activities can be conducted peacefully when leaders and supporters observe the law.
The delegation, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, held a rally in Mwatate, Taita Taveta County, where leaders endorsed Wundanyi Member of Parliament Danson Mwashako for the county governorship ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Other leaders who attended the event included Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
Nuno said no incidents of political intolerance or violence were reported during the tour, noting that several political formations have recently held meetings across the Coast region without disruption.
His remarks come amid reports of violence that disrupted political activities in other parts of the country, where rival groups have accused one another of hiring gangs to attack opponents and interfere with public rallies.
The Regional Police Commander also addressed the growing wave of rumours circulating in the Coast region, claiming that some people had mysteriously lost their private parts after interacting with strangers.
He dismissed the claims as false and warned that criminals were exploiting the rumours to rob unsuspecting members of the public and incite mob justice.
Nuno urged residents to report such incidents to the police instead of attacking suspected individuals.
“I want to assure residents that these claims are false. 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,” he said.
According to the police commander, 51 such incidents have been reported across the region, leading to the arrest of 50 suspects.
He added that the rumours had already resulted in 11 people sustaining injuries through mob attacks, while five others had lost their lives.
Nuno appealed to residents to remain vigilant, ignore misinformation, and cooperate with security agencies in combating crime.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the National Police Service to maintaining law and order, protecting all citizens regardless of political affiliation, and ensuring that the Coast region remains peaceful as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
By Joan Kinuthia
