Ruto warns against politically sponsored violence, urges police to arrest financiers of gangs

President William Ruto has cautioned against politically motivated violence, urging the National Police Service to crack down on those who finance, organize or incite such incidents during political gatherings. During the Kenya Police Service graduation ceremony on August 28, 2026, in Kiganjo, Nyeri County, the President highlighted the police's constitutional duty to safeguard the democratic space where Kenyans exercise their rights.

Ruto expressed worry over the recruitment of young people and the use of hired gangs to disrupt political events, intimidate opponents, and provoke unrest. He advised the police to focus not only on arresting individuals with weapons but also on investigating those responsible for recruiting, transporting, and financing these gangs.

"Don't arrest merely the young person holding a weapon while letting the recruiter, transporter, and payer slip away from accountability," Ruto emphasized. He called for fair, lawful, and unbiased action against anyone participating in politically motivated violence, irrespective of their political background or rank. "Violence sponsored by politics has no place in our democracy," Ruto stated.

The President also warned politicians against creating or utilizing private groups to harass political rivals or citizens. "No politician is granted a private army. No candidate has the right to scare citizens. No political goal can justify violence," he reiterated. The President reminded security forces of their obligation to protect peaceful political gatherings and demonstrations.

He referred to Article 37 of the Constitution, which safeguards the right of every individual to assemble, demonstrate, protest, and present petitions to public authorities without fear of violence. The President's comments arise as political activities ramp up in the lead-up to the 2027 General Election, with political figures and their supporters frequently organizing public meetings and rallies throughout the nation.

Ruto stressed that the police must ensure Kenyans can freely exercise their constitutional rights without fear of intimidation or violence. He urged security agencies to remain impartial and enforce the law uniformly against all parties involved in political violence. The President spoke at the graduation ceremony in Kiganjo, where he honored newly trained Kenya Police Service officers.