The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has outlined plans to dismantle criminal networks ahead of the 2027 General Election, with a focus on identifying and targeting individuals who organise, recruit and finance gangs involved in election-related violence.
Director of Operations at DCI headquarters, Samson Kiptum, briefed senior police commanders on the investigative preparedness plan during a sensitisation meeting at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong, Nairobi.
Kiptum, who represented the Director of DCI, took Regional, Formation and County Commanders through the agency’s approach to detecting, investigating and disrupting criminal activities linked to the electoral process.
The two-day meeting, running from October 29 to 30, 2026, seeks to strengthen security preparedness and support a peaceful, secure and credible 2027 General Election.
During the briefing, Kiptum warned that criminal gangs could pose a major threat to the electoral process, noting that they may be hired to intimidate voters, attack political rallies, harass candidates and disrupt electoral activities.
He urged commanders to focus investigations beyond gang members operating on the streets and instead target those directing and financing the networks.
The approach involves mapping gang leaders, their hierarchies, financiers, hideouts and methods of operation before conducting intelligence-led and evidence-based investigations.
Commanders were also urged to strengthen intelligence sharing, coordinate their operations and establish early-warning systems linked to the electoral calendar.
The DCI further emphasised the need to work closely with communities, including Nyumba Kumi structures and local leaders, to identify potential threats and support security preparedness ahead of the polls.
