President Ruto directs probe into alleged extrajudicial killings after disbandment of SSU

In an address to the Nation on Mashujaa day, the Head of State said he has effected changes in the National Police Service (NPS) to ensure its independence. 

This, Ruto said, would realise institutional credibility and efficiency, citizen safety and welfare, and effective maintenance of law and order.

Ruto added that a professional police service would not “resort to disastrous policies like extra-judicial murder as part of policing.”

“I believe we can keep this country safe and secure without tormenting our people. We can efficiently and effectively suppress crime, monitor, disrupt and apprehend criminals without abducting, torturing, killing or causing citizens to disappear,” he said. 

The Head of State added that streamlining the police service would ensure the Criminal Justice system is professional. 

On October 16, Acting Inspector General of Police Noor Gabow announced the disbandment of the Special Service Unit (SSU) with immediate effect.

 “I have directed that immediate measures be undertaken to disband the Special Services Unit in the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and with urgency investigations must commence so that those found culpable are held accountable,” Ruto said in his Mashujaa day speech. 

“There must also be robust mechanisms throughout the police service to maintain high professional standards, scrupulous adherence to the rule of law, accountability for actions and decisions and operational transparency,” he added.