IG Kanja urges police to uphold neutrality ahead of 2027 elections

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 7 — Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has cautioned police officers against political involvement ahead of the 2027 General Election, directing them to remain neutral, impartial and professional in the execution of their duties.

Kanja said the National Police Service had a constitutional obligation to protect the rights of all Kenyans without fear, favour or prejudice, particularly as the country approaches another electoral period.

Speaking during the annual National Joint Thanksgiving Service for uniformed and disciplined services at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi on Saturday, Kanja said police must provide an environment in which citizens can exercise their rights peacefully.

“Our constitutional responsibility is to serve the Republic of Kenya and her people without fear, favour or prejudice. We must remain politically neutral and impartial and professional in the execution of our duties,” he said.

The Inspector General urged officers to remain alert and prepared to respond to emerging security concerns, warning that the coming festive season would bring increased road traffic, commercial activity, public celebrations and movement of people across the country.

He called on officers to intensify efforts against dangerous driving, including speeding, drunk driving and the use of overloaded vehicles and motorcycles.

“I urge officers to remain alert, tactically prepared and responsive to emerging security concerns,” Kanja said.

He also appealed to motorists and other road users to exercise caution, noting that increased travel during the holidays presents additional road safety and public security challenges.

Kanja further urged police to strengthen crime prevention efforts and work closely with communities to ensure a peaceful festive season.

“The duty of the police or the security providers is prevention of crime in advance. When you prevent crime, then you fight it so that society will be safe and secure,” he said.

He identified sexual and gender-based violence among the crimes that require attention, urging parents and other responsible adults to take care of children during the school holidays.

The Inspector General acknowledged that the festive period would require some officers to spend additional hours on duty, away from their families, to maintain security across the country.

He thanked families for supporting officers through the demands of their profession, as well as religious leaders and service commanders for their continued contribution to the welfare of uniformed personnel.

The annual thanksgiving service brought together officers and representatives from the National Police Service, Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Prisons Service and National Youth Service, among other disciplined services.

The gathering marked the culmination of 18 thanksgiving services held in different parts of the country throughout the year, according to the service representative.

Representing the Chief Conservator of Forests, Deputy Commandant of the Kenya Forest Service, Wilson Leboo used the occasion to call on institutions and members of the public to support the national tree-growing campaign, urging Kenyans to take advantage of the ongoing rains.

The Kenya Forest Service is supporting the national target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032, with Lebo calling for prayers to be matched with practical action in environmental conservation.

The service also honoured officers who had died in the line of duty, with Kanja calling for remembrance of their sacrifices and continued support for serving personnel and their families.

​Bruhan Makong is a Senior News Reporter for Capital FM in Nairobi, covering diplomacy, foreign policy, national security, climate, and human rights across East Africa and the wider region.