I commend security agencies for being professional’ – Ruto says amid reports of police killings
By Francis Muli, July 21, 2023President William Ruto has commended security agencies for being “professional” in handling protestors across the country.
Speaking on Friday, Ruto urged police officers to remain firm in handling protestors who destroy property across the country.
“Everybody must respect the rule of law. We are asking our security agencies, our law enforcement officers to be thorough, firm and I want to commend our security agencies for being professional in how they have handled all these people. Criminals must be dealt with firmly, decisively, and make sure that everybody respects the rule of law,” Ruto said.
Ruto’s sentiments come amidst reports of police brutality, with around 30 reported to have been killed by the police during anti-government protests.
Ruto has however promised that he will not allow extra-judicial killings.
“Hatutaruhusu askari kuvunja sheria na kuuwa watu kiholela. The same way we said we’ll get rid of extra-judicial killings is the same way we are committed to ensuring there is no impunity. You cannot destroy property, cause mayhem and anarchy and get away with it. You will not. Criminals must be dealt with firmly and decisively,” Ruto.
In a statement on Friday, July 21, 2023, Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) alleged that police have shot dead 28 people since Kenyans took to the streets to protest the High cost of living and the Finance Act 2023.
KHRC said that 27 of the deaths happened between July 7 and July 19 as reported by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
“From July 7 to 19, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have reported 27 extrajudicial, summary, and arbitrary executions (EJE) – Fatal police shootings,” the statement read in part.
KHRC has blamed President William Ruto for using the police to silence dissenting voices, reneging on his promise to end the era of police killer squads.