President William Ruto has directed the security chiefs to bring to book all those who perpetrated heinous crimes, including looting, robbery, rape and arson, during riots earlier this week and ensure they are prosecuted.
Hosting regional and county security and National Government Administration bosses at State House, Nairobi, on Saturday, the president said: “If those behind the riots that led to looting and destruction of people’s property are not arrested and prosecuted, we will be breeding impunity.”
President Ruto also warned against attacks on the police, saying those who do so are threats to peace and stability and must face the full force of the law.
“We cannot have a country where criminals run after our police officers. If a policeman’s life is in danger, how can our families be safe?” he said.
The President went on: “This trend must change. The criminals that attacked our officers and destroyed property in the Wednesday mayhem will be held to account.”
He pointed out that the government will stand by every man and woman in uniform, and protect them as they discharge their duties.
“Only when the police keep our country safe will we have a more secure and stable Kenya where meaningful development occurs,” President Ruto pointed out.
At the same time, the President expressed the government’s commitment to reforming the security agencies to cope with emerging threats associated with terrorism and cybercrime, among others.
He said crime had become more sophisticated and it was critical to enhance the capacity and improve the tools of work of law enforcement agencies.
Consequently, the government is investing in training to boost the capacity of the police in fighting modern-day crime.
Saying security was the foundation on which peace, stability and development were anchored on, the President expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring that it was enhanced in all parts of the country.
“We are investing in the modernisation of police equipment and training of officers besides providing a conducive environment for them to operate,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Ruto called on Parliament to enact legislation to regulate demonstrations and balance the constitutional right to assembly with public order and safety.
He noted that while Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and petition, this can be regulated to ensure the rights of others are respected and to maintain peace.
The President proposed that the legislation should provide a framework for identifying the organisers, venue of demonstrations and the specific time of demonstrations as well as address potential public safety concerns.
“We want a situation where the organisers can present their petitions, state their reasons for the demonstration and where it will be held and at what time,” he said.
President Ruto also briefed the officers on the progress of the government’s programmes in stabilising the economy, job creation, universal healthcare, housing and agriculture, among other sectors.
He assured them that 20 percent of the affordable houses will be ring-fenced for members of the security agencies.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen wondered why critics, including religious and civil society, have not condemned the brutality criminals meted on police officers last Wednesday.
“When a police officer is attacked or a police station burned, no religious leader, foreign envoy or Law Society of Kenya official speaks,” he said.
Present were Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy IG Gilbert Masengeli, and Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, among others.
Meanwhile, President Ruto has commended the country military for their commitment to safeguarding security in the wake of rapidly evolving threats.
Speaking during the investiture of the new Kenya Defence Forces leadership at State House Nairobi, the President said: “We implore the new leadership to discharge its responsibilities with professionalism and integrity. You have our full support.”
