President William Ruto has reiterated his administration’s commitment to ending extrajudicial killings in Kenya. Speaking during the burial of the late Mama Dorcas Nasike, mother of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, in Bungoma on Friday, Ruto assured Kenyans that no unlawful killing would be tolerated under his leadership.
The President emphasized that any form of criminality whether perpetrated by citizens, criminals, or law enforcement must be thoroughly investigated. “We must get to the bottom of any criminal activity in Kenya. The rule of law is the foundation of our democracy, and anyone who breaches peace and the law must face the consequences,” he stated.
Ruto criticized the past prevalence of extrajudicial killings, where bodies were dumped in rivers such as Yala and Tana, declaring such practices would not occur under his administration. He reaffirmed that his government was taking bold steps to ensure accountability and justice, aligning with his manifesto’s pledge to eradicate such crimes.
One of the significant measures undertaken by Ruto’s administration is transferring the operational budget and financial independence of the police from the Office of the President to the Inspector General of Police. This move, he said, ensures that the National Police Service operates independently and can uphold the rule of law without external influence.
“The police must maintain law and order, but within the confines of the law,” Ruto said, stressing the importance of a professional and accountable police service. He urged for a societal approach to foster a balanced and measured democracy, free from chaos, insults, and abuse, especially on social media platforms.
Ruto reassured that his administration will respect the rule of law and called on all Kenyans to do the same. “We will support all institutions involved in maintaining peace and addressing legal issues to sustain our democracy,” he concluded.
By committing to these reforms, Ruto aims to restore public confidence in the justice system and promote a peaceful, lawful society.