The National Police Service (NPS) has warned politicians and their supporters that authorities will strictly apply the Public Order Act as political activity increases ahead of the next General Election.
Police said they would take firm action against individuals involved in political violence, incitement, intimidation or attempts to interfere with legally organised meetings and processions.
The warning follows what the NPS described as growing cases of political intolerance and disorder in different parts of Kenya. According to the service, such incidents pose a threat to public safety and national unity while potentially interfering with citizens' constitutional rights to assemble, associate and participate in political activities peacefully.
The NPS urged political parties, leaders and their supporters to conduct their activities within the law and avoid actions that could trigger confrontation between rival groups.
Authorities also reminded organisers of political meetings, rallies and public processions about the procedures they are expected to follow under the Public Order Act.
Anyone intending to organise such an event is required to notify the relevant regulating officer in advance. The notice should be submitted at least three days before the planned gathering but not earlier than 14 days before it takes place.
Organisers are expected to provide sufficient information to allow police to make appropriate security arrangements.
The required details include the organiser's full name and physical address, the location where the meeting will take place or the route to be followed by a procession, as well as the proposed date and time.
Public meetings and processions covered by the law are expected to take place between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The police service also explained what happens when different groups plan activities at the same location and time.
Where authorities have already received notification concerning another event scheduled for the same venue, date and time, the regulating officer is expected to inform the organiser of the conflicting event.
The second gathering would therefore not proceed according to the original arrangements. Organisers may instead choose another date, time or venue while complying with the applicable legal requirements.
According to the NPS, advance notification is important because it gives security agencies adequate information to prepare for public gatherings.
Police officers can then plan deployments, manage crowds, control traffic where necessary and provide security to participants and members of the public.
The service said these requirements should apply fairly to political actors regardless of their affiliation.
With political competition expected to intensify as Kenya moves closer to another election cycle, the NPS called for restraint among politicians and their supporters.
Political leaders were urged to avoid inflammatory statements and discourage their followers from engaging in confrontations with rival groups.
The police service emphasised that political influence, social position or public office would not protect anyone who breaks the law.
Authorities warned that individuals found participating in violence or encouraging supporters to attack others would face action in accordance with Kenyan law.
The warning also extends to people accused of financing or organising criminal groups to interfere with political activities.
Police said attempts to disrupt legally organised gatherings would similarly attract intervention from law enforcement agencies.
The NPS maintained that its responsibility is to provide security impartially rather than favour particular political parties or candidates.
It reaffirmed its commitment to political neutrality and said officers would continue carrying out their responsibilities professionally while protecting the rights of citizens.
The service also pledged to uphold human dignity, accountability and constitutional rights while enforcing public-order laws.
The warning comes at a time when political mobilisation is becoming increasingly visible across Kenya ahead of the next General Election.
Although the formal campaign period is still ahead, political leaders and parties have already increased rallies, public appearances and grassroots mobilisation as they position themselves for the contest.
Kenya has previously experienced heightened political tensions during election periods, particularly when rival groups attempt to hold events in the same areas.
Competition over political territory can sometimes result in confrontations between supporters of different candidates or parties.
Another concern has been the use of organised groups of young people to interfere with political meetings.
Such groups have previously been accused of heckling rival politicians, disrupting speeches, blocking access to venues or creating disturbances intended to prevent opponents from addressing supporters.
Political disagreements have also occasionally extended beyond conventional campaign venues.
Places of worship and community facilities have at times become scenes of political confrontation when rival groups or their supporters clash over political activities.
The police warning therefore seeks to establish clear expectations before political campaigning becomes more intense.
Authorities want organisers to provide adequate notice of gatherings so that security arrangements can be made and potential conflicts between competing events can be addressed beforehand.
The NPS has also placed responsibility on political leaders to control their supporters and ensure that competition remains peaceful.
The service maintains that political participation is a constitutional right but says exercising that right should not interfere with the freedoms or safety of other citizens.
As election-related activities increase, police say enforcement of the Public Order Act will apply across the political spectrum.
Politicians and their supporters have consequently been urged to organise rallies responsibly, respect competing political groups and cooperate with security authorities.
The NPS says anyone who resorts to violence, incitement or deliberate disruption of lawful political activities should expect legal consequences regardless of their political connections or position.