Ruto’s Vow to Support Police Sparks Outrage Amid Brutality Accusations

President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering support for the National Police Service (NPS), even as the force faces growing public outrage over recent incidents of police brutality and extrajudicial killings. 

Speaking at a breakfast event held at State House on Tuesday, June 24, with Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions Kenya Police FC, Ruto lauded the role of police in safeguarding national peace and security. 

“To every police officer, from the constable to the man on the beat, I give you my assurance that the government of Kenya will support and stand by you as you secure our nation and keep our families safe,” Ruto stated. 

While emphasizing the importance of security in sustaining the nation, Ruto also issued a stern warning against attempts to demean or undermine law enforcement agencies. 

“Without peace and security, we do not have a nation. The people who put their lives on the line to make sure that our families, properties, and nation are safe and stable are our security agencies,” he said. 

However, the President added a critical caveat, government support will only extend to officers who act within the confines of the law. 

“This administration will stand by them so that they can discharge their responsibilities within the law… We have enough infrastructure to make sure that this happens within the law.” 

Ruto’s remarks come just a day before nationwide protests planned for June 25 in memory of the Gen Z demonstrators who lost their lives during last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests. Police have publicly pledged to protect demonstrators, cautioning against violence and provocations. 

Despite these assurances, many Kenyans remain skeptical, pointing to disturbing patterns of police violence. There are widespread fears that state-sponsored goons could be deployed to infiltrate and disrupt the peaceful protests. 

Ruto’s strong defense of the police stands in stark contrast with two unfolding high-profile cases implicating officers in acts of brutality. 

Just a day prior to his pledge, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) approved murder charges against three officers linked to the death of social media influencer Albert Ojwang. Ojwang was arrested in Homa Bay on June 8 and later died at the Central Police Station after allegedly being assaulted while in custody. 

Although initial police reports claimed suicide, an autopsy revealed severe head trauma, neck compression, and multiple injuries, evidence pointing to foul play. 

Meanwhile, Kenyans were left reeling after a viral video showed a police officer shooting a mask vendor, Boniface Kariuki, at point-blank range during protests held in Ojwang’s memory. Kariuki is now in critical condition at Kenyatta National Hospital. 

The officer involved, Masinde Baraza, along with his colleague Duncan Kiptoo, has since been arrested. Kiptoo was seen physically assaulting Kariuki before the shooting. 

Ruto’s declaration of support for the police may have been intended to boost morale within the ranks, but for many Kenyans, it comes off as tone-deaf at a time when demands for police reform and accountability are louder than ever. 

As the country braces for another wave of protests, the question remains: Can the government balance its commitment to security with its obligation to uphold justice and human rights?