IG Kanja vows firm action against goons as election preparations begin

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has announced that the National Police Service (NPS) is putting in place strategies to deal firmly with goons, warning that such groups will be treated strictly as criminals under the law.

Speaking at Matuga in Kwale county after meeting senior investigative officers, Kanja emphasized that the police will not tolerate such actions, noting that security agencies are determined to safeguard law and order during the political season.

The IG revealed that several training programs are currently underway to strengthen the capacity of police officers ahead of the elections.

According to him, the service is focused on ensuring that officers are well prepared to maintain peace and provide a secure environment where citizens can freely exercise their democratic rights during campaigns and on election day.

Kanja also noted that the police service is pushing for increased financial and resource allocations to allow adequate preparation before the polls.

He said sufficient funding would help the service deploy officers effectively and enhance operations aimed at preventing election-related violence.

On his part, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohamed Amin said his agency is intensifying efforts to strengthen financial investigations as part of measures to help the country exit the international anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing (AMLCTF) grey list.

Amin said the DCI is investing in capacity building so that officers at even the lowest investigative levels can effectively handle financial crime cases.

He added that the agency aims to prosecute money laundering as a standalone offence, a move expected to strengthen the fight against financial crimes and improve compliance with global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards.