President William Ruto has expressed strong support for the National Police Service (NPS) just a day before nationwide protests scheduled for Tuesday, June 25. His remarks come as the police face growing criticism over alleged brutality and misconduct, particularly during and after the 2022 general elections.
Speaking on Monday, June 24, during a breakfast event at State House with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League champions Kenya Police FC, President Ruto assured the police of his administration’s full backing. He praised their dedication to protecting the country and maintaining peace and order.
“To every police officer, from those in top ranks to the officers on the ground, I want you to know that my government fully supports you. We will stand with you as you work to keep our country safe and our families protected,” Ruto affirmed.
The President emphasized the crucial role played by the security forces, saying that without peace and stability, a country cannot move forward. He said that the efforts of police officers and other security personnel are key to safeguarding citizens, their property, and the nation as a whole.
“Peace and security are the foundation of a strong nation. Our security forces risk their lives every day to ensure our people and properties are safe. Their work is not only important but essential to the progress of our country,” he added.
Ruto also spoke strongly against those who try to demean, threaten, or undermine the authority of the police. He said that the police deserve the full support of Kenyans, especially when they are carrying out their duties lawfully.
However, he made it clear that the government’s support was not unconditional. He stressed that police officers must operate within the framework of the law. He insisted that discipline, accountability, and respect for human rights must guide all their operations.
“We will support our officers as long as they do their work according to the law. We have provided the necessary systems and structures to ensure that law enforcement is carried out professionally and legally,” he said.
President Ruto’s message came just a day before planned demonstrations in Nairobi’s Central Business District and several other towns. The protests, mainly organized by Gen Z and youth-led movements, aim to honor those who died during last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests.
Police have assured the public that they will protect peaceful demonstrators and urged protestors to avoid violence or provoking law enforcers.
Still, there are growing concerns among citizens and human rights groups over the potential for chaos. Reports have suggested that state-backed groups might be used to infiltrate and disrupt the demonstrations.
The President’s words of support for the police also come amid fresh accusations of police brutality. Currently, two disturbing cases have caught the public’s attention.
On Monday, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) approved the prosecution of three police officers in connection to the death of popular influencer Albert Ojwang. The social media personality died on June 8 at the Central Police Station in Homa Bay County after allegedly being severely beaten while in custody.
Although initial police reports claimed Ojwang had committed suicide, a postmortem revealed injuries to his head and neck, along with other signs of assault, clearly contradicting the official narrative.
Another recent case that sparked public outrage involved a police officer shooting a street vendor in the head during a protest held in memory of Ojwang.
The vendor, later identified as Boniface Kariuki, was selling masks when the incident occurred. A video of the shooting went viral, showing the officer firing at close range.
Kariuki was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit. The officer who fired the shot, Masinde Baraza, was arrested along with another officer, Duncan Kiptoo, who was seen physically attacking the vendor during the same incident.
These cases have raised serious concerns about the conduct of the police, especially during protests. Many Kenyans are now watching closely to see how the government will handle the upcoming June 25 demonstrations and whether President Ruto’s message of lawful policing will be respected on the ground.
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