Political leaders planning to hold rallies and public meetings have been reminded that political activity must remain peaceful, with the National Police Service (NPS) warning that violence, incitement and disruption of lawful gatherings will not be tolerated.
The warning comes as the country enters the electioneering period, with the NPS saying it has recorded cases of political intolerance, violence and thuggery in different parts of the country.
In a statement issued on Saturday, September 5, 2026, NPS Director of Corporate Communication and Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said such conduct threatens public order and national cohesion while limiting citizens' constitutional right to peacefully assemble, associate and participate in political activities.
“As the country enters the electioneering period, incidents of political intolerance, violence, and thuggery have been observed in various parts of the nation. Such conduct undermines public order, threatens national cohesion, and infringes upon the constitutional rights of citizens to associate peacefully, assemble, and participate in political activities.”
The service said it would continue enforcing the Public Order Act, Cap. 56, and urged organisers of political meetings and processions to comply with the legal requirements before holding their events.
The NPS said anyone intending to organise a public meeting or procession must notify the regulating officer between three and 14 days before the planned event, as provided under Section 5(3)(a) and (c) of the Public Order Act.
Organisers are required to give their full names and physical address, identify the proposed meeting venue or procession route, and provide the date and time of the event.
The police said the proposed activities must be scheduled between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Where a different event has already been planned for the same date, time and location, the regulating officer is expected to inform the organiser without delay that the proposed meeting or procession cannot go ahead as planned.
According to the NPS, notifying the authorised officer and obtaining confirmation for planned political gatherings is a “proper and legitimate step” that helps the police prepare adequate security arrangements.
The service called on politicians, their supporters and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and uphold peace as political activities increase across the country.
It also stressed that the law applies equally to all individuals regardless of their position or political affiliation.
“The NPS once more totally reaffirms that no person, regardless of social status, political affiliation, or public office, is above the law.”
The police warned that political actors who cross the line by promoting violence or interfering with lawful gatherings would face the consequences.
Individuals found engaging in violence, sponsoring criminal gangs, inciting supporters or disrupting lawful gatherings “will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law.”
The NPS also maintained that it will remain apolitical and impartial while carrying out its duties during the electioneering period.
It said its work would continue to be guided by respect for human rights, dignity and accountability as it works to maintain public order.
“We are committed to serving and protecting all members of the public with competence, professionalism, and integrity,” the statement said.