As the country gears up for the 2027 General Election, journalists have been urged to uphold professionalism, impartiality and accountability while strictly adhering to the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya to promote credible and responsible election reporting.
The National Police Service (NPS) Spokesperson, Muchiri Nyaga, said journalists should verify information before publication amid a surge in misinformation and disinformation.
Nyaga spoke in Mombasa during the Annual Journalists’ Training on Election, Policing and Accountability, convened by Missing Voices.
“Journalism is not only about being first. It is about being accurate and responsible. During an election period, irresponsible reporting can amplify tension,” stated Nyaga.
Journalists were encouraged to verify when and where photographs and videos were taken before publishing them to avoid spreading misleading information.
He acknowledged the role of the media as a critical partner in building public trust, noting that a free, professional and ethical press strengthens accountability and helps citizens understand the challenges and constraints under which police officers operate every day.
In the coming electoral cycle, he said, the NPS operational posture will be guided by professionalism, impartiality and accountability.
He disclosed that officers would be trained and deployed to manage public order with restraint, proportionality and respect for the right to peaceful assembly and expression.
“The Service must remain neutral. Political affiliation or preference has no place in the performance of duty,” he said.
He added, “Every use of force, every arrest, and every operation must be capable of standing scrutiny under the Constitution, the National Police Service Act, and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority framework.”
He further said the NPS is strengthening its capacity for election-related duties through enhanced training, clearer command structures and improved coordination with other state and non-state actors.
“The recent recruitment of new officers is part of this broader effort to build a Service that is better prepared for the demands of a democratic society, including election periods.”
The training brings together journalists from across the country to enhance their reporting on elections, security, police accountability, human rights and media ethics within the evolving electoral context.
Nyaga underscored the constitutional mandate of the NPS and affirmed its readiness to provide security and facilitate a peaceful, secure and democratic electoral process.
He noted that the Service’s operational approach is founded on three core principles: professionalism, impartiality and accountability.
Nyaga acknowledged the valuable role played by Missing Voices and other civil society organisations in engaging constructively with the NPS, helping to identify gaps, improve systems and rebuild public confidence.
The NPS Spokesperson also recognised the critical role and responsibility of journalists in reporting on police operations, promoting accountability and contributing to the deterrence of misconduct through accurate, ethical and responsible journalism.
He reaffirmed the NPS’s dedication to constitutional policing, respect for human rights, accountability and professional service delivery. He emphasised that effective policing and enhanced public confidence depend on constructive engagement and collaboration among the NPS, the media, civil society and other stakeholders.
Nyaga noted that accountability is not a threat to effective policing; rather, it is the very foundation of legitimate policing.
He further called for collaboration between police and the public to secure the country from internal and external threats.
“NPS continues to work with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, the Internal Affairs Unit, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and other oversight bodies,” said Nyaga.
He added, “Where officers are alleged to have acted outside the law, investigations must be thorough, transparent, and timely. Where wrongdoing is established, consequences must follow without fear or favour.”
By Sadik Hassan
