Kenya: Ruto Warns Police Against Politics Ahead of 2027

Nairobi, Kenya - President William Ruto cautioned Kenya's police force against engaging in partisan politics as the nation prepares for the 2027 general election. Speaking at the 50th graduation ceremony for 1,273 newly trained General Service Unit officers in Embakasi, Nairobi, Ruto emphasized that the police's role is to protect Kenya's democratic institutions impartially.

As election season approaches, political competition is expected to escalate, increasing the police's responsibility to maintain a neutral stance. Ruto urged political leaders to refrain from using the police for their own partisan gains, threatening violence, or demanding unlawful orders from officers. The president reminded citizens of their constitutional right to peaceful assembly and demonstration, stressing that such freedoms should not be used to justify unlawful actions like violence, looting, or destruction of property.

He reiterated that police officers are entitled to constitutional protections while performing their duties and should only use the minimum amount of force required. Ruto assured the graduating officers that the government will support them in their lawful and professional service, warning that misconduct on the part of individual officers could undermine public trust in the entire police service.