The National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) has begun stepping up preparations for the August 2027 General Election, with Chief Justice Martha Koome calling for closer coordination among state agencies to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
Speaking after a meeting of the NCAJ, Koome said the council had reviewed measures needed to strengthen the justice system ahead of the polls and agreed that effective inter-agency coordination would be critical in managing election-related matters.
“We have discussed how to enhance the justice systems to support preparedness for 2027 general elections and agreed inter-agency coordination is essential for a peaceful and electoral environment,” Koome said.
She said the council had resolved to activate its committees responsible for election preparedness as institutions begin positioning themselves to handle disputes, offences and other legal matters that may arise during the electoral period.
“The NCAJ has agreed to activate all our committees for election preparedness,” she said.
The move comes as political activity gathers pace across the country, with parties and leaders intensifying mobilisation more than a year before the polls.
The justice sector is expected to play a key role before, during and after the elections, particularly in dealing with electoral disputes, criminal offences and cases linked to political violence and intimidation.
During the meeting, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) also raised concern over an increase in incidents of political violence and intolerance at rallies.
The ODPP warned that individuals involved in violence would face prosecution regardless of their political affiliations or status.
The prosecution office said perpetrators would be dealt with firmly “despite their political orientation”, signalling a tougher stance against violence as political campaigns intensify.
“With my colleagues from the National Police Service and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, we’ve agreed that anyone found culpable – and we don't have any categories whether government or opposition – will be dealt with accordingly,” said Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga.
The warning comes amid growing concern over confrontations and disruptions reported at some political meetings, raising fears that intolerance could escalate as the country moves closer to the election period.
“We will not allow them to influence the state of anarchy and this group of people will be dealt with accordingly,” the DPP added.
NCAJ brings together institutions involved in the administration of justice, including the Judiciary, prosecution agencies and other actors in the justice and security sectors.
Koome said cooperation among the agencies would be essential in creating an environment in which electoral processes can proceed peacefully and disputes are addressed through established legal mechanisms.
The council is expected to continue coordinating election-related preparedness as the country approaches the 2027 polls.
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