Ruto tells police to keep off politics as he meets regional commanders at State House

President William Ruto has asked the police to be apolitical while discharging their duties.

Speaking during a meeting with regional police commanders at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, November 16, the Head of State urged the men and women in uniform to keep off politics and 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.

The President said he decided to make the police financially autonomous so that they can conduct their duties competently.

Addressing the rising cases of insecurity in Nairobi and several other urban areas, Ruto affirmed that the government will provide the police with modern equipment to help confront the marauding gangs.

Police autonomy

Ruto, who assumed office in September, severally stated during the campaign period that the police were being used by the Executive to intimidate him and his allies.

Consequently, he signed an Executive Order giving the National Police Service financial autonomy.

Ruto, in his inaugural speech at the Kasarani Stadium, said the budget would be transferred from the Office of the President to office of the Inspector General of Police.

The IG, and not the Interior Principal Secretary, will be the Accounting Officer. He said the move was aimed at ending dependency on Office of the President.

Ruto said the Constitution expected the police boss to exercise independent command of the service.

He stated that he was concerned that the operational autonomy of the service had been undermined in what he described as the continued financial dependence on the Office of the President.

“As I address you, I have instructed that the instruments conferring financial autonomy to the NPS by transferring their budget from the Office of the President and designating the IG as the accounting officer be placed on my desk for signature,” he said.

The Head of State said the move would give impetus to the fight against graft and end weaponisation of the criminal justice system in the country.

“As required by Article 245 of the Constitution, the IG is mandated to exercise independent command over NPS. The services operational autonomy, however, has been undermined by the continued financial dependence on the Office of the President. This situation is going to change,” he said.

He added that his administration will respect professional service and bring to an end the era of intimidation.

“No public servant, even chiefs and their assistants will be required to run political errands for any political party or formation,” he said.