President Ruto warns politicians against using police to settle scores

President William Ruto has cautioned politicians against using the police to settle their political scores, maintaining that security officers must be non-partisan.

Speaking when he presided over the passing-out parade of the newly trained General Service Unit (GSU) recruits in Nairobi, President Ruto took note of the rising political temperatures in the country, urging a peaceful campaign ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The 50th pass-out parade for the latest unit of the GSU recruits at the National Police College, Embakasi ‘B’ Campus in Nairobi set the stage for Ruto to take stock of the rising political intolerance in the country, firing a warning shot at politicians who have been using the police to disrupt political meetings.

“Political leaders must not draw the police into partisan contests, incite violence, or ask officers to carry out unlawful instructions; and citizens must exercise their democratic freedoms peacefully, respect the rights of others and obey the law. Safeguarding our democracy and maintaining public order are responsibilities we all share,” Ruto said.

President Ruto urged the police to be more vigilant as time ticks towards next year’s elections, and help guard the democratic space in the country.

“As Kenya approaches the General Election next year, this standard becomes even more important. Political competition will intensify, parties will organise, candidates will campaign, and citizens will assemble. The duty of the police is to secure this democratic space impartially,” he added.

The Head of State also cautioned those who may want to exercise their democratic rights to demonstrate to do so within the confines of the law.

“No political objective can excuse criminal conduct. Protect peaceful assembly, protect life and property, and act firmly and lawfully against those who organise, fund, incite or perpetrate violence,” Ruto noted.

“We have revitalised their training to include human rights, constitutionalism and community policing among others. Five regional centers in Kisumu, Mombasa, Kiminini, Ngong Training and Kiganjo have been refurbished.,” Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen.

President Ruto also opened the newly expanded GSU Hospital at the campus, accredited under the Social Health Authority (SHA).

The facility will extend access to quality healthcare beyond the officers and their families to the wider Embakasi community.