STORY BY AGENCY: Politicians moving around with hired goons risk having their official police security withdrawn, Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno has warned.

The directive comes as security agencies intensify efforts to curb political violence ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking at the Coast Regional Police Headquarters in Mombasa, Commander Nuno made it clear that law enforcement will not tolerate leaders who sponsor violence, hire criminal gangs, or intimidate rivals for political gain.

“If it becomes necessary for elected leaders to move around with hired hooligans for protection, then we shall have no option but to withdraw the security officers assigned to them. We are determined to stop political hooliganism before it escalates,” Nuno stated.

Nuno emphasized that security must never be used as a political tool, urging leaders to allow the National Police Service to execute its mandate without interference.

Politicians were encouraged to focus on issue-based campaigns and development agendas rather than personal attacks and chaos.

Nuno cited the recent Coast tour by the opposition-aligned Linda Mwananchi movement as a positive example of peaceful political engagement.

Led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, alongside figures such as Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo, the delegation held a rally in Mwatate, Taita Taveta County, endorsing Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako for the county governorship without a single incident of violence reported.

In a separate briefing, Commander Nuno dismissed widespread rumors circulating across the Coast region claiming that individuals had mysteriously lost their private parts after interacting with strangers.

Police investigations have revealed that criminals are actively exploiting these false claims to rob unsuspecting citizens and incite mob justice.

The fallout from the misinformation has been severe, 51 total incidents recorded across the region, 50 suspects arrested while 11 people injured in resulting mob attacks.

Unfortunately five people reportedly lost their lives.

Nuno urged residents to immediately notify the authorities rather than taking the law into their own hands, calling on the public to reject misinformation and cooperate with security teams as preparations for the 2027 polls continue.