DPP warns politicians over hate speech, goonism ahead of 2027 polls

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has warned politicians and individuals accused of fuelling political tensions and goonism that they will face the full force of the law as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during the 38th National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) Conference in Mombasa, Ingonga expressed concern over the rise in inflammatory political rhetoric and incidents of goons disrupting political gatherings.

He said his office was working closely with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to ensure those found culpable are prosecuted.

"Inflammatory statements which are being made by politicians across the divide, in collaboration with DCI and NCIC, we will deal with these kinds of characters so that they are brought to book,” said Ingonga.

The DPP's remarks come as the NCIC continues investigating complaints against several political leaders over alleged inflammatory remarks made at public gatherings.

Ingonga warned that the crackdown would not be limited to hate speech, saying individuals involved in organising or participating in political violence would also be held accountable.

"Anyone found culpable with goonism will be dealt with. We only have one country, and that is Kenya, and we will not allow some characters with their own issues to influence other good Kenyans into a state of anarchy. We will not allow it,” he said.

His remarks come a week after President William Ruto directed security agencies to take firm action against criminal gangs and individuals involved in violence, saying the country must be protected from lawlessness and destruction of property.

Meanwhile, Chief Justice Martha Koome said preparations for the 2027 General Election have intensified, with institutions under the National Council on the Administration of Justice stepping up coordination to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

Koome said the Judiciary had begun preparations to equip judicial officers to handle election-related disputes efficiently.

"Interagency partnership is essential for a peaceful and orderly election environment. NCAJ has agreed to reactivate all our committees on election preparedness. For the Judiciary, we are set to start training all judges, magistrates and judiciary staff,” Koome noted.

The conference brought together key justice sector players to discuss collaboration and preparedness ahead of the next General Election, with leaders emphasising the need to safeguard peace, uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability for election-related offences.