Police Step Up Crackdown On Political Goons Ahead Of 2027 Election
The directive comes as police seek to strengthen security operations and expand their presence in areas considered vulnerable to crime and other forms of insecurity.
By Elijah Cherutich
Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has warned the youth against allowing themselves to be recruited as political goons, as security agencies step up efforts to curb violence and criminal activity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Lagat said police had made significant progress in dealing with criminal gangs and would continue tightening operations against individuals involved in violence and other unlawful activities as the country approaches the elections.
“Don’t allow yourself to be used to fighting others as goons, if you are offered money to do the act for others, kindly refuse”, he said.
He spoke at Rafiki in Rongai Sub-County during the opening of the East Gate Police Post, where he also directed police commanders in several parts of Nakuru County to intensify operations against bhang and illicit brews.
Lagat expressed concern over what he described as a rising menace of bhang and illicit alcohol in areas including Keringet in Kuresoi South, Kampi ya Moto and Rafiki in Mogotio.
He gave the respective sub-county police commanders three days to conduct a major operation to flush out suspects involved in the trade and ensure that those arrested face appropriate action.
The directive comes as police seek to strengthen security operations and expand their presence in areas considered vulnerable to crime and other forms of insecurity.
Lagat also urged police officers to make their stations centres of excellence in service delivery, saying members of the public should receive professional policing services in accordance with the Constitution.
“You have heard what the IG has said about service within our stations, I want to call on all of you to do it professionally the best way of our knowledge as per the constitution”, he added.
The Deputy Inspector General further challenged parents to maintain close engagement with their children to prevent them from being drawn into criminal activities and subsequently coming into conflict with the law.
He linked effective parenting and parental involvement to efforts to prevent young people from engaging in harmful or criminal behaviour.
Lagat also referred to the incident at Utumishi Girls, saying stronger parental involvement could have helped address gaps in the upbringing and guidance of children.
Rongai MP Paul Chebor welcomed the opening of the police post, saying it would help address security challenges in the area, which has a large population of university students.
Chebor said increased security presence would also contribute to stability and create an environment conducive to continued development in the area.
Nakuru Woman Representative Liza Chelule and Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai also welcomed efforts to strengthen security infrastructure, saying improved policing capacity would enhance public safety and support development.
The East Gate Police Post has initially been staffed with eight officers as the National Police Service expands its infrastructure in the area, including facilities for officers.
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