Kenyan President William Ruto has once again reiterated his administration’s commitment to ending the scourge of extrajudicial killings, emphasizing the need for comprehensive investigations into all criminal activities, regardless of the perpetrators. Speaking at the burial of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula’s mother in Bungoma on Friday, Ruto called for strict accountability for any criminal behavior, whether committed by civilians, criminals, or law enforcement officers.
Extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances have long been major concerns in Kenya, with a 2021 government report highlighting challenges in implementing the rule of law, including weak inter-agency cooperation, inadequate witness protection, and insufficient resources for oversight bodies. Despite a robust legal framework, these issues continue to plague the country. Ruto’s latest remarks underscore the administration’s determination to ensure justice for all Kenyans, with no room for abuses of power.
In his address, President Ruto expressed the urgency of addressing such criminal activities and preventing a return to the harrowing past when bodies were discovered in rivers such as Yala and Tana, often victims of extrajudicial executions. “We must get to the bottom of every case of criminal activity in Kenya,” Ruto declared, stressing that no individual or group is above the law. He affirmed that his government will not tolerate any form of extrajudicial killings, reiterating a core promise from his campaign to restore integrity to the justice system.
To bolster law enforcement’s ability to operate independently, the Ruto administration has implemented significant reforms. The government has transferred control over the National Police Service’s operational budget from the Office of the President to the Inspector General of Police. This move is designed to free the police force from political influence, enabling it to carry out investigations and prosecutions with greater autonomy. By doing so, Ruto’s administration hopes to enhance the transparency and effectiveness of the National Police Service.
Further reinforcing his commitment to the rule of law, Ruto also addressed the importance of maintaining peace and democracy in Kenya. He urged citizens to engage in respectful public discourse, particularly on social media, to avoid fueling division and chaos. “Our democracy must not be chaotic or abusive,” he said, advocating for measured discussions that promote unity rather than discord.
The president’s remarks came at a time of heightened public concern regarding the protection of human rights and the security of citizens in Kenya. Ruto assured the public that his government would continue to support the institutions responsible for upholding the law, with a focus on ensuring that peace and justice are safeguarded for all Kenyans. He also expressed his confidence in the resilience of Kenya’s democracy and the importance of adhering to the rule of law as the cornerstone of the nation’s future.
Concluding his speech, Ruto called on all Kenyans to embrace these values and to work together to ensure the continued stability and prosperity of the country. He emphasized that the fight against extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations will remain a priority for his administration, and that justice will be a fundamental principle for his government moving forward.
