The National Police Service (NPS) has assured Kenyans of its full preparedness to provide security during the upcoming by-elections across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the NPS said it has developed a comprehensive and multifaceted security plan to ensure safety before, during, and after the polls.
The plan, it said, has been coordinated with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to guarantee a peaceful, free, fair, and credible electoral process.
“The National Police Service wishes to assure the public and all stakeholders of its comprehensive preparedness and unwavering commitment to providing adequate security,” the statement read.
The police called on all political candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully, responsibly, and within the law.
It warned that any form of violence, incitement, hate speech, or destruction of property will not be tolerated.
“Politicians are urged to promote peace and tolerance and be mindful that any unlawful actions will be met with the full force of the law,” the NPS said.
Members of the public were urged to remain calm and exercise their democratic right to vote without fear.
The police encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activities or attempts to incite violence through hotlines 999, 911, 112, or anonymously via #FichuaKwaDCI on 0800 722 203 and WhatsApp 0709 570 000.
The NPS reaffirmed its neutrality and commitment to maintaining law and order, emphasizing that it will serve all Kenyans impartially to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
“We are committed to ensuring that the electoral process is not marred by security concerns."
This comes after Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua wrote to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, accusing senior government officials and their associates of planning political violence ahead of the Mbeere North by-election scheduled for November 27, 2025.
“My attention has been drawn to widely circulated social media videos threatening election violence ahead of the Mbeere North by-elections,” Gachagua wrote.
“A clip shows Mr. Simon Njagi Njiru, Mr. Josiah Kariuki Ngari, Ms. Susan Nyaga and others issuing threats of violence against the people of Mbeere North and myself.”
The former Deputy President claimed that despite police having evidence of the threats, no arrests had been made.
He demanded that those named in the videos be arrested immediately, arraigned, and charged under the Penal Code.
He further alleged that the individuals in question were close allies of Governor Mbarire and CS Ruku. Njiru, he said, serves as Mbarire’s Director of Communications.
Gachagua accused the National Police Service of ignoring credible threats and allowing political goons to intimidate voters ahead of the by-election.
He warned that failure to act would amount to a breakdown of law and order.
“You will go down in history as the only Inspector General to preside over goonism and total lawlessness,” Gachagua stated.
“No one feels safe in our cities or villages as you watch and do nothing.”
The former Deputy President also linked the current situation to what he termed as past security failures, citing police inaction during the July 7, 2025 “Saba Saba” protests, where lives were lost and businesses destroyed.
He warned IG Kanja that he could be held personally liable before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for acts of omission or commission that may lead to violence, referencing former Police Commissioner Major General Mohammed Ali’s appearance before the ICC following the 2007–2008 post-election violence.
