Ruto backs police ahead of Gen Z protests anniversary
President WIlliam Ruto.
President William Ruto has assured police officers of his unwavering support ahead of the first anniversary of the June 25 protests, which turned chaotic and bloody last year.
The President said the police have a duty to secure the nation and protect the lives and property of Kenyans.
“For the people who want to undermine, demean or try to intimidate our security agencies, I am telling them you’re doing the wrong thing. Our security men and women deserve every support we can muster for them to secure our nation,” Dr Ruto said.
“Nobody is above the law, none of us is above the law. You cannot intimidate the police and you cannot use force against the police, insult them or threaten them. When you do so, you're threatening our nation because these officers are the frontline defenders of our rights as Kenyans and of our country’s right to peace and security,” he added.
Although he did not directly refer to the planned commemorations for victims of last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests, the President praised the police and pledged his administration’s protection.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the police force… I want to give you my assurance that as you secure this nation, this nation will also make sure that you and your families are safe,” he said.
He spoke at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday during a breakfast meeting with Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions Kenya Police FC. The team clinched the league title with a match to spare following their 1–0 win over Shabana FC on Sunday.
“I will continue to ensure that every security officer, every person who puts their life on the line for our nation so that our families and properties can be safe is supported by this nation. This administration will stand by them so they can discharge their responsibilities within the law and ensure our country remains safe,” President Ruto stated.
Commemoration of victims
His remarks come amid preparations for the planned commemoration of victims of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, which turned deadly and significantly influenced the country’s civic activism.
Protesters stormed Parliament during the demonstrations and civil society organisations have reported that at least 60 people died.
Rex Masai, Erickson Mutisya, Kennedy Onyango, Caroline Shiramba and Benson Mbithi who were killed during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.
“As President, I am very proud of what our security agencies have done to secure our nation, to protect our properties and to ensure that our families can sleep peacefully. I say this without fear of contradiction because without peace, security and stability, we don’t have a nation. It’s as simple as that,” Dr Ruto said.
While the President did not mention the Gen Z protests or the commemorations, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the National Police Service will do their work in accordance with the law.
“We want to assure you Your Excellency, that these men and women will receive 100 percent support from our ministry to maintain law and order,” said Mr Murkomen.
He also accused unnamed political actors of inciting violence.
“Not too long ago some of these politicians stood where I’m standing now, defending law and order and speaking against chaos. Today, they are planning, buying machetes and clubs and distributing them to young people to cause violence in town. They want us to sit back and claim that this is protected under Article 37 of our Constitution. But Your Excellency, the police must be ruthless in dealing with such criminals.”
“We are ready and prepared to ensure our country remains safe,” he added.
Mr Murkomen defended the police as among the most patriotic citizens saying the government stands fully behind them in their mission to uphold law and order.
Meanwhile, a joint statement by ambassadors and high commissioners in Kenya called on all parties to ensure peaceful demonstrations and avoid violence.
Administration police officers prepare to fire a round of teargas canister along Moi Avenue towards protestors during protests demanding for justice over the death of Albert Ojwang on June 17, 2025.
They also expressed concern over the reported use of hired goons to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings.
Separately, Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has urged the government not to interfere with peaceful demonstrations as Kenyans prepare to commemorate the 2024 Gen Z protests on Wednesday.
Speaking in Mombasa, the ODM party leader said the right to assemble and picket is protected by the Constitution. However, he also stressed that demonstrators must follow legal procedures by notifying police of their plans and avoiding actions that could disrupt the economy.
“Kenyans have a right to picket, assemble, and demonstrate. First, notify the police and agree on the venue, routes, and time of the demonstrations. We should not demonise demonstrations, and demonstrators should not disrupt the country’s economy. There’s no need for the government to stop people from demonstrating because this is their right,” he said during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Maganda Early Childhood Development and Education Centre in Jomvu.
Additional reporting by Valentine Obara and Wachira Mwangi.