The upcoming November by-elections present yet another critical test for Kenya’s democratic stability, and the National Police Service (NPS) must rise to the moment with professionalism, neutrality, and firmness.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent petition to Inspector General of the National Police Service Douglas Kanja and chairperson for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Erastus Ethekon should not be slipped under the carpet, rather, the concerns underscore the heightened political tension around these contests and the corresponding need for law enforcement to guarantee peace and safety for all citizens.
As is the case currently, elections in Kenya, including by-elections, often attract intense political competition that can easily spill over into violence, intimidation, or voter suppression if not carefully managed.
While political actors may disagree or campaign aggressively, it is the NPS that shoulders the constitutional responsibility of ensuring that every Kenyan exercises their democratic rights in a secure environment. That duty cannot be compromised by political pressure, internal weaknesses, partisan interference or laxity.
The petition by the former Deputy President and dismissive utterances by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffery Kiringa Ruku in Mbeere North parliamentary contests and security concersn around it are an acknowledgment of the stakes.
It points to fears that rival factions could mobilise youth or use inflammatory rhetoric to influence outcomes. Whether or not these claims are substantiated, they reflect public anxieties that must be addressed proactively.
NPS leadership must therefore deploy adequate personnel, ensure officers are properly briefed on the law, and enforce strict adherence to the standing orders governing election security.
As an apolitical service, police officers must avoid being drawn into political theatrics or being seen as favouring one side over another a perception that has wounded public trust in past electoral cycles.
For the IEBC, the credibility of the by-elections depends heavily on how secure, calm, and orderly the environment is. It is also a litmus test for the new commission ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Needless to say, chairperson Ethokon will rely on a security framework anchored in timely intelligence sharing, rapid response capabilities, and clear lines of communication with the NPS.
Polling stations must be zones of safety, not arenas of chaos or intimidation. The presence of the police should assure the public, not alarm them.
It is also essential for the NPS to remember that peace is not achieved through force alone.
Community policing, engagement with local leaders, and collaboration with election observers can help detect and defuse tension before it escalates.
Kenya’s security agencies have occasionally been reactive rather than preventive; this election offers a chance to demonstrate a shift toward intelligence-led, community-centred policing.
Furthermore, political actors must be reminded firmly that they carry responsibility for the tone and conduct of their campaigns.
Similarly, the police must not hesitate to act on hate speech, incitement, or any attempts to disrupt electoral processes. Upholding the rule of law is not optional; it is the backbone of democracy.
Ultimately, the by-elections scheduled for last week of this month will be judged not only by who wins, but by how the process unfolds.
The NPS has an opportunity to reinforce public confidence by proving that Kenya can conduct elections without violence, fear, or manipulation while IEBC has the cardinal duty to ensure a free, fair and transparent exercise.
Peace and safety are not just security objectives, rather, they are democratic imperatives. The country is watching, and the stakes are too high for anything less than uncompromised professionalism from those entrusted with keeping the peace.
