NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has directed the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to take stringent legal action against individuals allegedly exploiting youths to incite violence, warning that such activities will not be tolerated in Kenya.
Speaking on Monday during the graduation of 1,837 officers at the National Police College, Embakasi ‘A’ Campus, President Ruto emphasized that the country is governed by the rule of law and that those using young men as thugs to disrupt peace and harm citizens will face severe consequences.
“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. I have already instructed our Inspector General of Police that all these individuals must face strict legal action so that we can end hooliganism and the activities that undermine safety in our nation of Kenya,” he said.
The directive comes after a violent clash outside and inside a thanksgiving service at PCEA Church in Kariobangi North on Sunday, November 30, attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Police said two groups of youths, armed with crude weapons, fought, prompting officers to call for reinforcements. Several people were injured and required medical attention.
In response, Gachagua accused the state of deploying goons to intimidate residents and political opponents, claiming the violence was retaliation for the electorate rejecting a UDA candidate in recent by-elections.
“For the record, William Ruto, sending goons and police to attack us at the PCEA church, Kariobangi North, today, to punish the people of Kariobangi North for rejecting your UDA Candidate, shows how desperate you are,” he said.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also expressed concern over the rising trend of politicians mobilizing armed supporters.
“There is a phenomenon that has grown in the country where politicians, when they want to go for meetings, mobilise goons to cheer them. They are carrying machetes, rungus and other weapons. The most important thing we have to deal with in the next few months is to make sure we deal with the issue of goons across the country, and this must be done without fear or favour, indiscriminately,” Murkomen said.
President Ruto also directed the Interior Ministry to ensure all newly recruited chiefs and assistant chiefs complete their training within six months, stressing the importance of these administrators in grassroots security and governance.
The current graduating cohort is the third to complete the revamped induction, paralegal, and security management training, bringing the total trained since August 2025 to 5,892.
The government plans to arm vetted chiefs in border regions and other high-risk areas after completing security assessments, training, and licensing procedures.
Ruto reiterated the administration’s commitment to professionalizing National Government Administrative Officers and strengthening their capacity in security and legal matters.
