President Ruto now turn abduction heat on police boss, pledge to end extrajudicial killings
President William Ruto has now shifted the emotive abduction, extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearance crisis that has disparaged his administration for months now on Inspector General of Police and the National Police Service (NPS) Douglas Kanja saying NPS is an independent entity.
At the same time, the president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating extrajudicial killings and upholding the rule of law in Kenya.
He now wants IGP Kanja to answer questions by Kenyans on recent abductions in the country as pressure continues to mount on the whereabouts of the six abducted youths.
However, the president said 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.
He made the remarks today during the burial service of Mama Ann Nanyama, mother to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Westlands Member of Parliament (MP) Timothy Wanyonyi in Kabuchai, Bungoma county, the president assured Kenyans of decisive action against past injustices.
He emphasised that his government would not allow the country to regress to a time when bodies were discovered in rivers, national parks, or torture sites.
“One of my first actions in office was to transfer the operational budget of the police service from the Office of the President to the Inspector-General, ensuring its independence.” President Ruto noted.
He also called for a unified approach to protect democracy and maintain order.
“We need a whole-of-society approach to ensure our democracy remains measured and does not become chaotic or abusive.” He said, adding that all criminal activities will be investigated and the law applied impartially.
He urged leaders and citizens to focus on unity and nation-building, warning against divisive politics.
He also highlighted government achievements, including strides in universal health coverage, educational reforms, and agricultural initiatives, underscoring his administration’s commitment to the development agenda.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah encouraged reporting of abductions to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, expressing dismay at leaders politicising such grave issues.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi cautioned against indiscipline disguised as democratic expression, urging citizens to offer respectful criticism of government policies.
On his part, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi defended the administration, arguing that the financial challenges currently facing the country were inherited from the previous government.
“Why blame President Ruto for fixing a problem he didn’t create?” he questioned.
Similarly, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi highlighted the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, revealing advanced plans to expand the Nairobi-Malaba highway.
Meanwhile, he also announced the planned extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to Malaba, aiming to enhance trade and mobility in the region.
The burial service was attended by senior government officials, Cabinet Secretaries, governors, MPs, and other leaders, marking a significant moment of unity and reflection.
