NAIROBI, Kenya- President William Ruto has directed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to take firm legal action against individuals accused of using youths to stir violence, following an attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a church event in Nairobi.
Speaking on Monday during the graduation of 1,837 officers at the National Police College, Embakasi A Campus, President Ruto said the government will not tolerate political groups deploying young people as “goons” to intimidate citizens and undermine national security.
“We are a country that follows the rule of law. Those who use young people as goons to cause chaos, fight citizens and bring harm are people we cannot tolerate,” Ruto said.
“I have already instructed our Inspector General of Police that all these individuals must face strict legal action so that we can end hooliganism.”
The directive comes a day after violence broke out at PCEA Church in Kariobangi North, where Gachagua was attending a thanksgiving service.
According to police, two rival groups of youths armed with crude weapons clashed inside and outside the church, forcing officers on duty to call for backup. Several people were injured and taken to hospital.
Gachagua later accused the government of orchestrating the attack, claiming it was retaliation after residents rejected a UDA candidate in recent by-elections.
“For the record, William Ruto, sending goons and police to attack us at the PCEA church… shows how desperate you are,” he alleged, adding that two supporters suffered gunshot wounds.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the Kariobangi incident reflects a troubling trend of politicians mobilising armed groups to accompany them to public events.
“There is a phenomenon where politicians mobilise goons to cheer them. They are carrying machetes, rungus and other things,” Murkomen said. “The most important thing we have to deal with in the next few months is the issue of goons across the country. It must be done without fear or favour.”
President Ruto also ordered the Interior Ministry to ensure all newly recruited chiefs and assistant chiefs complete their training within six months.
He said the administrators play a central role in grassroots security and governance.
The latest cohort of 1,837 officers brings the total number trained since August 2025 to 5,892 under the revamped programme.
The training is part of the government’s plan to professionalise the National Government Administrative Officers and eventually arm vetted chiefs in high-risk areas after full assessments and licensing.
