The Former United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary-General and presidential aspirant, Mukhisa Kituyi, has delivered a stinging critique of President William Ruto’s handling of police brutality and tribal bias in the justice system, warning against empty rhetorics.

In an interview on K24TV, Monday, June 16, 2025, Kituyi condemned what he described as a worrying culture of impunity within the security forces and accused the President of abdicating responsibility in handling the case.

“The President is steering clear and letting other people talk. Why doesn’t he deal with Langat the way he dealt with Kinoti?” Kituyi asked. “Ruto, fire your person.”

Kituyi called out what he termed as “double standards” in the way high-profile cases are handled by the current administration. He said it was unacceptable for the President to offer empty rhetoric while turning a blind eye to human rights violations within his ranks.

“You go and spew lies in Western Kenya and think that is an excuse for dealing with the murder of Ajwang,” Kituyi said bluntly, criticising recent statements made by Ruto during his tour of the western region.

 “This is not just about politics. It’s about justice. It’s about restoring confidence in our security agencies and proving that no one is above the law.”

Pressure pile on police

Kituyi’s remarks add to the growing political pressure on President Ruto, whose administration is facing increased scrutiny over police brutality, forced disappearances, and extra-judicial killings.

Rights groups, including Amnesty International and the Law Society of Kenya, have already condemned the handling of the Ojwang case, calling for an independent investigation and immediate prosecution of all officers involved.  

Kituyi has called for a voice of accountability and reform, saying the time had come for decisive leadership at the top.

“We cannot keep mourning our young people while those responsible sit comfortably in office. This is not a request, President. This is a demand from every Kenyan who still believes in the rule of law,” he said.

He said Langat’s case has taken on national significance, not just for the brutality it represents, but for the political tensions it has inflamed, suggesting it was not neutral but enabling.

“If you allow rogue officers to act with impunity and you do nothing, then you are complicit,” Kituyi said. “Fire Langat, investigate the chain of command, and tell Kenyans the truth.”

Ruto’s voice on brutality

Meanwhile, President William Ruto has reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Kenyans from what he termed as rogue police officers amid cases of police brutality in the country.

According to the President, they are going to hold responsible anyone who brutalises Kenyans in the course of their work.

The Head of State, who spoke on Friday, June 13, 2025, when he presided over the destruction of illicit small arms and light weapons in Ngong, Kajiado County, emphasised the importance of security officers in upholding the rule of law.

“We will protect citizens from rogue police officers and make sure that we hold to account so that we can have a nation that is based on the rule of law, where everybody is serving under the rule of law,” he stated.