President Ruto Vows to Shield Police Amid Brutality Claims
President William Ruto has made a bold promise to Kenya’s security forces—vowing unwavering government support for police officers.State House during a breakfast event with Football Kenya Federation champions, Kenya Police FC, Ruto addressed the men and women in uniform directly.
“To every police officer, from the constable to the man on the beat, I give you my assurance. The government of Kenya will support and stand by you as you secure our nation and keep our families safe,” Ruto declared.
A Divided Nation
The President’s words come just a day before mass protests are set to erupt nationwide, honouring Gen Z protesters killed in last year’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
Despite Ruto’s reassurance, tensions remain sky-high. The police service faces heavy criticism over alleged brutality, killings, and intimidation during public protests.
Yet, Ruto firmly backed the force, highlighting their central role in national safety.
“Without peace and security, we do not have a nation. The people who put their lives on the line… are our security agencies,” he said.
A Conditional Promise
However, the President was quick to note that support would be offered only if officers operated within the law.
“This administration will stand by them so that they can discharge their responsibilities within the law. We have enough infrastructure to ensure this,” he emphasized.
But this promise clashes with the grim reality.
Justice Demands Answers
Just hours before Ruto’s remarks, the Director of Public Prosecutions approved murder charges against three officers involved in the killing of influencer Albert Ojwang.
Ojwang was brutally assaulted at Central Police Station in Homa Bay on June 8. Initially, police claimed suicide. However, a postmortem revealed serious head trauma, neck compression, and multiple bruises—ruling out suicide.
“The autopsy clearly shows he didn’t take his life. He was killed,” a family member said emotionally.
Another Victim, Another Shooting
Shockingly, while Kenyans were protesting Ojwang’s death, police struck again.
Boniface Kariuki, a street vendor selling masks, was shot in the head at point-blank range by Officer Masinde Baraza. The brutal act was caught on camera.
Kariuki now fights for his life at Kenyatta National Hospital. Officer Baraza and colleague Duncan Kiptoo, seen beating the vendor, were both arrested.
Still, many question Ruto’s statement.
“How can we protect those who kill us?” asked one protester online. “This isn’t justice. It’s betrayal.”
ALSO READ: SHOCKING: Police Officer Shoots Mask Vendor Dead in Broad Daylight in Nairobi CBD
President Ruto Vows to Shield Police Amid Brutality Claims
