Secure democratic space impartially, Ruto tells new GSU officers

President William Ruto has addressed the newly commissioned police officers, urging them to uphold the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, and impartiality as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election. Speaking at the 50th GSU Recruits Passing-Out Parade in Embakasi, Nairobi, Ruto emphasized that the police’s duty is to secure the democratic space impartially, as defined by Article 37 of the Constitution.

This right allows citizens to assemble peacefully and without weapons to demonstrate, picket, present petitions, and participate in political competition.

Ruto cautioned the officers against being manipulated by political leaders into partisan conflicts, stressing that their primary responsibility is to safeguard Kenya’s democracy and maintain public order. He clarified that peaceful dissent is a fundamental aspect of their constitutional democracy, which must be protected, but freedom should never be used as a pretext for violence, intimidation, assault, looting, arson, destruction of property, or other unlawful acts.

Ruto instructed the officers to protect peaceful assembly, life, and property, and to take firm, lawful action against those who organize, fund, incite, or perpetrate violence.

In his speech, the President highlighted significant achievements in the police service under his administration. These include the development of infrastructure, healthcare, police welfare, and the modernization of security services. Specifically, Ruto mentioned that 137 housing projects with over 28,000 units are underway, with 870 units already completed.

Additionally, 12,000 units are under construction, and over 1,500 units are in the procurement phase, with a further 15,000 units planned for development. The President also emphasized the expansion of the Usalama Cover under the Social Health Authority, which now provides medical coverage to more than 138,000 police and prison officers and their eligible dependents.