Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has pledged to crack down on organised criminal gangs ahead of the 2027 General Election.

IGP Kanja said security agencies are leaving nothing to chance in addressing criminal elements blamed for fomenting violence during political campaigns. The IGP, speaking to the media in Nyeri, also assured Kenyans of heightened security during the Christmas season.

“The issue of goons is something I am personally addressing. At the starting point are the new recruits we have brought here. In the next nine months, 10,000 officers will join the existing personnel. This is a good number, and they will be able to handle all issues touching on insecurity,” he pledged.

“All security agencies, including police officers, are on high alert during the festive season. None of us will enjoy this Christmas because we will remain on guard. We have even recalled officers who were on leave so that they can join their colleagues and ensure the public celebrates Christmas safely,” he explained.

Kanja made the remarks during the official flag-off of the nine-month training programme for National Police Service recruits at the National Police College main campus in Kiganjo. The college is currently hosting 5,023 recruits, 3,833 men (76 per cent) and 1,190 women, who are set to graduate in August 2026.

He noted that the recruits are joining at a time when the NPS is undergoing transformation to restore public confidence in it and improving service delivery. He urged them to embrace reforms and professionalism.

“You are not only joining as recruit police officers but as reformist officers amid significant changes. We will provide the best training because excellent training enables you to protect Kenyans effectively and build strong trust between police and communities,” he told the recruits.

Apart from additional personnel Kanja disclosed that the NPS will acquire more modern equipment that will include 3,000 motor vehicles to boost mobility. He said President William Ruto has approved the procurement as a national priority to strengthen security across all police stations and posts.

On road safety, the IGP said the government is taking all measures to ensure motorists adhere to the Highway Code, especially during the festive season. He decried the recent rise in road accidents, some of which resulted in deaths and promised a crackdown on rogue drivers.

Measures against traffic offenders will include instant fines administered by a multi-agency team comprising staff from the judiciary, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and other agencies.

“We want drivers, especially during Christmas, to take care of the people they ferry. Mobile courts will be deployed along major roads to deal with offenders. This exercise will continue beyond the festive season to ensure safer roads,” he said.

Yesterday, the National Council on Administration of Justice (NCAJ), through a special sitting chaired by Chief Justice Martha Koome, adopted measures for enhancing road safety during Christmas and New Year holidays. These include deploying mobile courts along highways to charge drivers violating traffic rules.

Statistics presented at the session showed fatalities from road accidents had risen from 4,479 in 2024 to 4,682 in 2025. In the first two weeks of December alone, 28 people lost their lives in accidents across the country. Kenya loses at least 4,000 people annually to road accidents, with the WHO warning that underreporting could mean the figure is much higher.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Samuel Maina/Wangari Mwangi