The National Police Service has rolled out fresh guidelines that will shape how political rallies are conducted across the country. In a statement released on Saturday, September 5, the police made it clear that they are not playing games when it comes to maintaining order during political gatherings, regardless of who is organising them.
Under the new directive, anyone planning to hold a political rally or procession must give the police proper notice. Specifically, event organisers are required to inform the area police commander between three and fourteen days before the planned activity. This is not optional – it’s the law, and the NPS is making sure everyone understands that.
The notification process comes with specific requirements that organisers cannot ignore. They must provide their personal details and physical address, clearly state where the rally will take place, and specify the proposed route if it’s a procession. Additionally, the organisers have to mention the exact date and time of the event. Here’s the catch though – the police have set a window. All political gatherings are expected to take place between six in the morning and six in the evening. If you are planning something outside these hours, you might want to think again.
The police also revealed that they will keep track of all notifications. If two organisers want to hold events at the same venue on the same date and time, the police will step in. When there is such a conflict, the police will inform the organisers, and the meeting or procession will not be allowed to proceed as initially planned. Organisers will then have to reschedule and notify the police of the new date.
Why is the government being so strict about this? The answer is simple – safety and order. Recent months have seen several incidents of violence and chaos at political gatherings. The most notable was the August 16 incident in Homa Bay during a Linda Mwananchi rally, where things got heated. Leaders were reportedly attacked, vehicles were damaged, and roads were blocked. These incidents have left the public and politicians alike worried about what could happen as the country gears up for the 2027 General Election.
The National Police Service has been clear that no one is above the law, no matter their social status, political affiliation, or position in government. They have warned that anyone involved in violence, incitement, disruption of lawful gatherings, or sponsoring criminal gangs will face the full force of the law. This is not a threat – it is a promise.
According to the police, these new rules will help them plan and deploy security officers effectively. When they know in advance what rallies are happening and where, they can position their officers strategically to prevent trouble before it starts.
As political activity is expected to intensify in the coming months, with politicians ramping up their campaigns ahead of 2027, the police want everyone to know that they are ready. The message is straightforward – organise your rallies, but do it responsibly, inform us, and follow the rules. Break the rules, and you will face the consequences.
For now, it seems the police have drawn a line in the sand. Whether politicians and rally organisers will comply remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the National Police Service is determined to keep order during this electioneering period.
