Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno addresses journalists at the Coast Regional Police Headquarters in Mombasa.//KNA.
Politicians who choose to move around with hired goons risk losing their official police security, Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno has warned.
The warning comes as authorities step up efforts to stamp out political violence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
"If it becomes necessary for elected leaders to move around with hired hooligans for protection, then we shall have no option but to withdraw the security officers assigned to them. We are determined to stop political hooliganism before it escalates," Nuno said.
Speaking at the Coast Regional Police Headquarters in Mombasa, Nuno said security agencies would not tolerate leaders who sponsor violence, hire criminal gangs or intimidate rivals for political gain.
He insisted that security should never be turned into a political tool, saying the National Police Service requires operational independence to pursue criminals without political interference.
"Security is not a political tool. It is the foundation upon which our economy, investments and the livelihoods of our people are built. We ask political leaders to allow security agencies to carry out their mandate without interference," he said.
Nuno urged political leaders to focus on issue-based campaigns and development agendas instead of violence, intimidation and personal attacks.
"Kenya is bigger than any individual. Leaders should sell their development agenda to the electorate instead of creating chaos that threatens national peace and cohesion," he said.
He assured political parties that police would provide adequate security during campaigns and political meetings to guarantee a peaceful electoral process.
The police commander cited the recent Coast tour by the opposition-aligned Linda Mwananchi movement as evidence that political activities can be conducted peacefully when leaders and supporters abide by the law.
The delegation, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, held a rally in Mwatate, Taita Taveta County, where leaders endorsed Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako for the county governorship ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo were among the leaders who attended the event.
Nuno said no incidents of political intolerance or violence were reported during the tour and noted that several political formations have recently held meetings across the Coast region without disruption.
His remarks come amid reports of violence that has disrupted political activities in other parts of the country, with rival groups accusing each other of hiring gangs to attack opponents and interfere with public rallies.
Separately, Nuno dismissed as false claims circulating across the Coast region that some people had mysteriously lost their private parts after interacting with strangers.
He warned that criminals were exploiting the rumours to rob unsuspecting members of the public and incite mob justice.
"I want to assure residents that these claims are false. If someone alleges that his private parts have disappeared after meeting another person, members of the public should immediately notify the police instead of taking the law into their own hands," he said.
According to Nuno, police have recorded 51 such incidents across the region, leading to the arrest of 50 suspects. The rumours have also resulted in 11 people being injured in mob attacks, while five others have been killed.
He urged residents to ignore misinformation, report incidents to police and cooperate with security agencies as they work to maintain law and order ahead of the 2027 General Election.
