NCIC, IPOA and DPP Urge Kenyans to Reject Political Violence Ahead of 2027 Elections

By Gedion Nzyoki -

Nairobi, Kenya | October 23, 2026 — The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) have urged Kenyans to reject political violence, promote peaceful coexistence and resolve disputes through lawful channels ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Director of Public Prosecutions Renson M. Ingonga, CBS, OGW, speaks during a community dialogue at AIC Church in Riruta, Nairobi, on Friday, October 23, 2026. Photo: NCIC

The agencies made the appeal on Friday during a community dialogue at AIC Church in Riruta, Nairobi, bringing together members of the public and stakeholders in the criminal justice system.

The engagement, dubbed Chapa Gumzo na Prosecutor, sought to educate the public on the ODPP's mandate, the role of investigative agencies and the available mechanisms for reporting police misconduct, hate speech and other criminal offences.

Speaking during a media briefing, NCIC Commissioner Jerusah Mwaathime said the commission was working with communities to build trust, promote peaceful coexistence and address challenges that could undermine peaceful elections, including public mistrust, youth vulnerability and political intolerance.

NCIC Warns Against Recruiting Youth Into Election Violence

Mwaathime said the NCIC was implementing initiatives focused on trust-building, civic education and youth engagement before, during and after the 2027 General Election.

NCIC Commissioner Jerusah Mwaathime speaks during a community dialogue at AIC Church in Riruta, Nairobi, on Friday, October 23, 2026. Photo: NCIC

She urged young people to resist attempts by politicians and other individuals to recruit them into violent activities, encouraging them instead to become ambassadors of peace in their communities.

“We have encouraged the young people to ensure that they are not recruited into violence. We have told young people they should be peace ambassadors,” Mwaathime said.

She added: “So we've asked them to reject violence. We have asked them not to be used by politicians or any person to advance violence.”

The commissioner further cautioned Kenyans against allowing political differences to strain relationships among neighbours, friends and workmates, warning that political competition should not become a source of division within communities.

“We should not allow politicians to be the ones who are going to make us fight with each other. And so we are choosing peace and we are choosing to walk the road of peace,” she said.

Mwaathime called on residents to prioritise peaceful coexistence regardless of their political affiliations, saying communities had a role to play in preventing violence as the country approaches the next election.

IPOA Urges Kenyans to Report Police Misconduct

IPOA Chairperson Dr. Duncan Ojwang Oburu reaffirmed the authority's commitment to conducting independent and impartial investigations into police conduct, emphasising that public confidence was essential to effective policing.

Ojwang said trust in public institutions depended on their ability to demonstrate integrity, empathy, professionalism and competence when serving citizens.

“That trust only comes if people feel there is truth, there is empathy, and there is professionalism and competence within the institution,” he said.

The IPOA chairperson noted that police officers were often the first point of contact between citizens and the government, making accountability and professional conduct critical to strengthening public confidence.

DPP Reaffirms ODPP's Constitutional Mandate

Director of Public Prosecutions Renson M. Ingonga, CBS, OGW, reaffirmed the ODPP's constitutional mandate in the prosecution of criminal cases, stressing that criminal matters must be handled within the framework established by the Constitution and the law.

Ingonga also acknowledged the Chief Justice's efforts to bring justice closer to the public, highlighting the ODPP's role in the administration of criminal justice.

“I appreciate the Chief Justice for her efforts to bring justice closer to the people. The DPP is the sole person mandated to deal with criminal matters. No other style can be used to deal with criminal matters before court,” Ingonga stated.

Agencies Call for Peace Ahead of 2027 Polls

The dialogue brought together the three institutions to engage citizens on their respective mandates and the role the public can play in promoting accountability, peaceful coexistence and the rule of law.

With the 2027 General Election approaching, the agencies urged Kenyans to reject violence, report criminal conduct through the appropriate channels and exercise their rights peacefully.

They also emphasised the need to strengthen public trust in state institutions and encourage citizens to resolve disagreements through lawful processes to help safeguard peace and cohesion before, during and after the elections.