The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, has warned politicians against engaging in political violence, hooliganism and hate speech ahead of the high-stake 2027 General Election.
Mr Ingonga warned of threats to the general polls, saying anyone found violating the law will be prosecuted regardless of their political affiliation and status in life.
Speaking to the media in Mombasa at the close of the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) forum, Mr Ingonga said the justice sector had already begun preparations for the elections by strengthening coordination among relevant institutions to safeguard a peaceful, free and credible electoral process.
The NCAJ concluded its 38th Council meeting reaffirming its collective commitment to a justice system that is accessible, responsive, coordinated and firmly centred on the needs of the people.
The top DPP official warned that the growing spread of hate speech by the political class posed a serious threat to democracy, peace, unity and the credibility of next year’s polls.
Mr Ingonga noted that hate speech violates fundamental human rights, including the rights to dignity, equality and non-discrimination, stressing that no democratic society can thrive where people are targeted based on their ethnicity, religion and political affiliations.
He said his office was working closely with the National Police Service (NPS), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and other state agencies to curb election-related offences.
The DPP expressed concern over the growing cases of political hooliganism and inflammatory remarks at political gatherings, warning that those responsible, would face the full force of the law.
He urged Kenyans to reject hate speech in all its forms, verify information before sharing it on social media platforms and promptly report cases of incitement, discrimination and violence to the relevant authorities for action.
“We do not have categories, whether one is in government or in the opposition. Our responsibility is to peace and stability and anyone found culpable of political hooliganism will be dealt with according to the law,” he said.
Mr Ingonga added that politicians making inflammatory statements, would also be investigated and prosecuted in collaboration with investigative and enforcement agencies.
“We only have one country and we will not allow individuals pursuing selfish interests to incite the people into a state of anarchy, those responsible will be brought to book,” he said.
The DPP’s remarks came as the NCAJ rolled-out training for its committees across the country, to enhance election preparedness and reinforce collaboration among justice-sector institutions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Chief Justice and NCAJ Chairperson, Martha Koome, said the Justice sector had put in place coordinated structures to ensure the country is adequately prepared for the elections, stressing that early planning would enhance public confidence in the electoral process.
Addressing the same event, Koome dismissed claims of a crisis within the justice sector, saying NCAJ institutions remain united and focused on strengthening the administration of justice.
“There is no crisis in the justice sector, but we have had very robust discussions on how to reform and strengthen our institutions rather than undermine them,” she said.
Koome noted that the forum brought together leaders from all justice-sector institutions, including the Law Society of Kenya, to review reforms and enhance coordination ahead of the elections.
“The National Council of Administration of Justice (NCAJ) reassures Kenyans that there is no crisis in the justice sector,” said Koome.
She said collaboration extends beyond the national level through Court Users Committees established in every court station across the country.
The Chief Justice noted that the committees, chaired by presiding judges or heads of court stations, comprise representatives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the National Police Service, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Kenya Prisons Service, the Probation and Aftercare Service, the Children’s Department and other justice-sector agencies.
She said the committees play a critical role in improving access to justice, strengthening institutional coordination and ensuring the justice sector is well prepared to support peaceful, transparent and credible elections in 2027.
By Hussein Abdullahi
