Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma has come out to defend President William Ruto amid mounting pressure for him to speak out over increased cases of police brutality witnessed in the country.

In a statement shared on Saturday, June 21, 2025, the vocal Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) lawmaker explained that despite increased calls for the head of state to apologise, he is not responsible for police command.

Kaluma reminded Kenyans that, according to the 2010 promulgated constitution, Ruto is the commander in chief of the armed forces, not the National Police Service (NPS).

He further detailed that the police services operate independently, thus demands for apologies should be directed to the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja.

“The President is the Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, not the Police, Kaluma stated.

“The National Police Service is under the independent command of the Inspector General, National Police Service. You need an apology for police killings, search for the Inspector General,” he insisted.

The murder of a teacher, Albert Ojwang, and the recent close-range shooting of a mask vendor, Boniface Kariuki, ignited calls for accountability and an end to police brutality in the country.

Despite several arrests being made, Kenyans have continued to demand answers and a direct response from the head of state regarding the matter.

Earlier, Ruto had asked the NPS to deal with rogue officers without any bias or consideration of their ranks.

The President is the Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, not the Police.
The National Police Service is under the independent command of the Inspector General, National Police Service.
You need apology for police killings, search for the Inspector General.

— Hon. George Peter Kaluma, CBS. MP. (Commentaries) (@gpdkaluma) June 21, 2025

Police independence

In January 2025, Ruto was also under intense pressure over the spate of abductions in the country. The president came face-to-face with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who at that time had raised condemnation over kidnapping in the country.

Ruto, in his response to Natembeya and other leaders, announced that only IG Kanja could answer questions by Kenyans on abductions in the country.

The president, however, says the law shall not be applied selectively and urged the youth to be responsible in their use of social media.

“The National Police Service, being an independent body, is able to conduct investigations,” Ruto said.

He stated that the government only focuses on issuing policy directives and does not meddle with police operations.

“The law should not apply selectively to keep everybody on the right side of the law,” he added.

Ruto made the sentiments during the burial of the mother of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

Earlier, Ruto asked the police to be apolitical while discharging their duties. He said they must serve all Kenyans fairly, irrespective of their political or ethnic affiliation.

“We want the police to be professional, independent and accountable while protecting Kenyans,” he said.