NAIROBI, Kenya- President William Ruto has warned political leaders against dragging police officers into partisan contests or asking them to execute unlawful instructions as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the 50th General Service Unit Recruits Passing-Out Parade at the National Police College, Embakasi “B” Campus, Ruto said officers must secure political activities impartially as campaigns intensify.
“As Kenya approaches the General Election next year, this standard becomes even more important,” Ruto said.
“Political leaders must not draw the police into partisan contests, incite violence or ask officers to carry out unlawful instructions.”
The President said parties would organise, candidates would campaign and citizens would hold assemblies as political competition increased ahead of the election.
He directed police officers to protect the democratic space without fear, favour or prejudice while maintaining public order.
Ruto affirmed that Article 37 of the Constitution protects the right of every person to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions while peaceful and unarmed.
“Peaceful dissent is part of constitutional democracy and must be protected,” he said.
The President, however, warned that constitutional freedoms must not be used as a cover for violence, intimidation, assault, looting, arson or destruction of property.
He said police officers were also protected by the Constitution and should not be assaulted, threatened or intimidated while performing lawful duties.
“No political objective can excuse criminal conduct,” Ruto said.
“Protect peaceful assembly, protect life and property, and act firmly and lawfully against those who organise, fund, incite or perpetrate violence.”
Police told to use necessary force
Ruto instructed the graduating GSU officers to confront security threats while remaining within the law and using only the force required in each situation.
“Be brave enough to confront danger. Be disciplined enough to obey the law. Be wise enough to use no more force than is necessary,” he said.
He told the officers to ensure innocent and vulnerable people felt safe in their presence while those threatening public security faced justice through the law.
The President said public trust was one of the police service’s most important operational assets because citizens who trusted officers were more likely to report crimes, provide intelligence and assist investigations.
He warned that misconduct by individual officers harmed victims, weakened public cooperation and damaged the standing of the entire National Police Service.
Ruto said the government would support officers who performed their duties lawfully, professionally and courageously while ensuring misconduct did not undermine the institution.
The new officers will join the GSU, whose responsibilities include responding to terrorism and banditry, protecting strategic installations, reinforcing other police formations during emergencies and undertaking high-risk protection operations.
The unit is also responsible for escort duties and protecting the Presidency and designated government facilities.
Ruto urged the graduates to remain faithful to the Constitution wherever they were deployed.
“Serve without fear, favour or prejudice. Protect Kenya with courage, discipline and honour,” he said.
