As Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has taken senior police commanders through its investigative preparedness plan to help prevent and tackle election-related crime.

The briefing was led by DCI Director of Operations Samson Kiptum, who represented the Director of Criminal Investigations at a two-day sensitisation meeting taking place at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong, Nairobi.

The meeting, running from October 29 to 30, 2026, brought together regional, formation and county commanders to discuss strategies for detecting, investigating and disrupting criminal activities that could threaten the electoral process.

A key focus was the profiling and dismantling of criminal gangs, which the DCI identified as a major threat to peaceful elections. Such groups could be hired to intimidate voters, attack political rallies, harass candidates and disrupt electoral activities.

Kiptum urged commanders to target the leadership and financiers of criminal gangs rather than focusing only on street-level members. He outlined an intelligence-led approach involving mapping gang leaders, their structures, financiers, hideouts and methods of operation before pursuing evidence-based investigations.

The commanders were also urged to strengthen intelligence sharing, work closely across their respective jurisdictions and establish early-warning systems linked to the electoral calendar.

They were further asked to engage communities, Nyumba Kumi structures and local leaders to help identify and report potential threats before they escalate.

The DCI says the preparedness plan is aimed at ensuring a peaceful, secure and credible 2027 General Election through early detection and investigation of offences that could undermine public safety and confidence in the electoral process.

APERIT FM, HII NI YETU