Kwale County, Kenya – Douglas Kanja has announced that the National Police Service is implementing new strategies to deal firmly with criminal groups commonly referred to as “goons,” warning that such individuals will face strict action under the law.
Speaking in Matuga, Kwale County, after a meeting with senior investigative officers, Kanja said the police will not tolerate the use of organized groups to disrupt public events or intimidate citizens during the political season.
Goons have frequently been associated with political activities in Kenya, where they are sometimes hired to disrupt political gatherings, intimidate opponents or settle business disputes. The police chief said the security agencies are determined to ensure such practices are brought to an end.
“We will treat anyone engaging in such activities as criminals,” Kanja said, stressing that maintaining law and order remains a top priority as the country prepares for upcoming elections.
Police Preparing for Election Security
Kanja revealed that the police service has launched several training programmes aimed at strengthening the capacity of officers ahead of the polls. The initiatives are designed to ensure that security personnel are adequately prepared to maintain peace during political campaigns and on election day.
According to the Inspector General, the goal is to create a secure environment where citizens can freely exercise their democratic rights without fear of intimidation or violence.
He also disclosed that the police service is seeking increased financial and logistical support from the government to enhance operational readiness before the elections.
Adequate funding, he said, would enable the deployment of sufficient personnel and resources across the country to prevent election-related violence and maintain stability.
DCI Strengthening Financial Crime Investigations
Meanwhile, Mohamed Amin, head of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, said the agency is intensifying efforts to strengthen financial investigations as part of broader reforms in the justice system.
Amin noted that the DCI is investing in capacity building for investigators, including officers at lower levels, to enhance their ability to handle complex financial crime cases.
The move is part of Kenya’s efforts to improve compliance with international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards and to help the country exit the global Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) grey list.
He added that the DCI intends to pursue money laundering as a standalone offence, a strategy expected to strengthen prosecutions and improve the country’s fight against financial crimes.
Authorities say the combined measures by the police and investigative agencies are aimed at ensuring both political stability and financial accountability as the country prepares for the next electoral cycle.
