Ruto vows police protection as criticisms mount over deadly protests, attacks on officers

President William Ruto has pledged to protect police officers as protests against his administration turn violent, leaving officers and civilians injured and stations torched.

Speaking on Saturday, June 28, during a meeting with National Government Administrative Officers at State House, Nairobi, Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to stand with security officers.

“I am going to stand for every man and woman in uniform who is doing the duty of securing our families, children and nation, I will be there to make sure that they are not threatened,” noted Ruto.

He emphasised the need to ensure officers’ safety as they protect families and property.

“We must ensure that our officers who secure us, our families, our property, are also secure,” observed Ruto.

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Ruto condemned violence witnessed during protests, which he blamed on criminal gangs, and assured officers’ families of the government’s commitment to their safety.

“We cannot have a country where criminals are running after police officers,” explained Ruto.

He warned of dire consequences if the public undermines police, stating that rogue elements would take over communities.

“If you threaten and harm the police who are supposed to provide security for you and your families, you are setting up yourself for failure. Once you don't have security provided by the State, gangs will take over,” noted Ruto.

The Head of State criticised the destruction of security infrastructure during protests.

“It cannot be business as usual when police vehicles and stations have been burnt and firearms stolen,” remarked Ruto.

The president’s remarks come amid public uproar over police conduct following the death of a teacher, Albert Ojwang, while in police custody and the deaths of at least 16 people during Wednesday’s protests.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has  called for police to shoot on sight any aggressors storming police stations with criminal intent.

 Murkomen made the remarks while addressing residents at the Deputy County Commissioner’s office in Kikuyu Constituency, where he faced jeers.

“Mtu mwenye anaenda kuiba bunduki, abembelezwe?” asked Murkomen, prompting chants of “Shika yeye” from the crowd. “Bunduki sio mandazi!” he retorted.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) criticised Murkomen’s statement, warning police against following illegal orders.

“The Cabinet Secretary has no authority under the law to issue such an order,” noted LSK President Faith Odhiambo.

“Any unjustified act of aggression, disproportionate use of force, or extrajudicial killing under such illegal directives will be deemed a premeditated crime,” she added.

Murkomen later clarified that police officers know not to misuse their authority.

“Hatujasema itumiwe kiholela,” remarked Murkomen, adding,  “Ile tunajaribu kuetetea ni polisi mwenye maisha yake iko hatarini na anaambiwa ukitumia utashtakiwa.”

Murkomen claimed that during Wednesday’s protests, 300 police officers and 100 civilians were injured while over 10 people were killed.

He alleged that hired goons infiltrated the demonstrations, attacking police and critical infrastructure.

“There were 300 police officers who were injured, and around 100 civilians, so a total of 400 individuals were injured during the protests,” explained Murkomen.

He stated that five guns were stolen from Dagoretti Police Post in Kiambu County while four were burnt at Gachui Police Post, adding that 27 government vehicles and 65 civilian vehicles were destroyed at police stations.

Murkomen claimed that homes and businesses of elected leaders, including National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and MPs Kimani Kuria, Eric Wamumbi, Njoroge Wainaina, Bernard Muriuki, and Mwangi Kiunjuri, were attacked during the protests.

“The criminals targeted kiosks, supermarkets, electronic shops, hotels, and restaurants. Business and residential premises were burnt, including one owned by the Catholic Church in Embu County,” explained Murkomen.

He described the protests as “acts of terrorism” and noted that security agencies have begun investigations into the destruction of properties during the demonstrations