Ruto warns police against political partisanship ahead of 2027 polls
President William Ruto has today directed police officers to uphold discipline, professionalism and impartiality as Kenya heads towards the 2027 General Election, warning them against being drawn into partisan political contests.
Speaking during the 50th General Service Unit (GSU) Recruits Passing-Out Parade at the National Police College Embakasi ‘B’ Campus in Nairobi, Ruto said political competition would intensify as parties organise, candidates campaign and citizens exercise their constitutional rights.
“The duty of the police is to secure this democratic space impartially,” he said, citing Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to peacefully and unarmed assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions.
Ruto said peaceful dissent must be protected, but warned that constitutional freedoms should not be used as a cover for violence, intimidation, assault, looting, arson or destruction of property.
“Protect peaceful assembly, protect life and property, and act firmly and lawfully against those who organise, fund, incite or perpetrate violence,” he told the newly trained officers.
The president also used the occasion to highlight the demanding role of the GSU, saying its officers are frequently deployed to confront terrorism, banditry, armed crime and violent disorder, protect strategic installations and undertake high-risk security operations.
He praised the recruits for accepting the risks associated with police service, noting that some officers return from operations injured while others die in the line of duty.
“Some return injured, some carry wounds that cannot be seen, and some do not return at all,” Ruto said.
He acknowledged the burden borne by police families, including prolonged separations and anxiety when officers are deployed to dangerous areas.
Ruto also outlined measures his administration says are aimed at improving police welfare. He said 137 housing projects comprising more than 28,000 units were underway, with 870 already completed, about 12,000 under construction and more than 1,500 under procurement.
He said an additional 15,000 housing units were planned.
On healthcare, Ruto said more than 138,000 police and prison officers and their eligible dependants had been enrolled under the Usalama Cover through the Social Health Authority.
“To the families of the fallen… we owe more than condolences. We owe honour, practical assistance, and the assurance that their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” he said.
