The National Police Service (NPS) has warned political leaders, their supporters and other stakeholders against violence, political intolerance and disruption of lawful gatherings as the country enters the electioneering period.
In a statement issued on Saturday, September 5, 2026, the NPS said it had observed incidents of political intolerance, violence and thuggery in various parts of the country, warning that such conduct threatens national cohesion and undermines public order.
The police service also reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the Public Order Act, Cap. 56, while respecting the constitutional rights of Kenyans to peaceful assembly, association and participation 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,” NPS stated.
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Police outline rules for political rallies
The NPS reminded organisers of public meetings and processions that they are required to notify the regulating officer at least three days and no more than 14 days before the planned event.
The notification must be made to the officer in charge of the police station within whose area the meeting or procession is scheduled to take place.
According to the police, organisers must provide their full names and physical addresses, as well as details of the proposed venue or, in the case of a procession, the intended route.
The notification must also indicate the proposed date and time of the event, with the Public Order Act providing that such activities should take place between 6 am and 6 pm.
“Notify the regulating officer of that intention at least three days, and no more than fourteen days, before the proposed date of the event. The regulating officer is the officer in charge of the police station in the area where the proposed meeting or procession is scheduled to take place,” NPS stated.
The NPS said police may decline to allow a proposed event at a particular venue and time where another event has already been notified for the same date, time and venue.
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In such circumstances, the regulating officer is required to promptly inform the organiser.
The service further warned that once an organiser has been notified that an event cannot take place at the proposed venue, date and time, the gathering should not proceed as initially planned.
However, the organiser may notify police of a future date for the event, subject to the provisions of the law.
Police vow action against offenders
The NPS said proper notification of political meetings would enable police to plan and provide adequate security coverage for gatherings across the political divide.
It called on political leaders, supporters and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and respect the rule of law.
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The service issued a stern warning that no individual would be treated as being above the law regardless of their political affiliation, social status or position in government.
“Individuals found to be engaging in acts of violence, sponsoring criminal gangs, inciting supporters, or disrupting lawful gatherings will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law,” the NPS said.
The warning comes as political activities intensify ahead of the next electoral cycle, with parties and political leaders expected to increase public engagements and mobilisation across the country.
The NPS maintained that it would remain apolitical and impartial in carrying out its constitutional mandate.
It also pledged to protect the public while ensuring that policing operations are guided by respect for human rights, dignity, accountability and professionalism.
“The National Police Service remains apolitical, impartial, and dedicated to fulfilling its constitutional mandate. We are committed to serving and protecting all members of the public with competence, professionalism, and integrity. As we move forward, our conduct as a service is going to remain underpinned by respect for human rights, dignity, and accountability, thereby ensuring a just, transparent, and trustworthy policing service,” NPS noted.
