A day after Kenyans were brazenly robbed along Thika Road, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo defended the government’s response, citing the challenge of balancing security with human rights.

On Tuesday, chaos erupted near the National Youth Service (NYS) headquarters as a mob looted businesses, ransacked vehicles, and mugged commuters. Videos showed them storming public transport and forcing shops to shut.

Eyewitnesses reported that the looters had attended a political rally hosted by President William Ruto before unleashing terror on the streets. Several people were injured as they fled the attacks. The gangs were said to have operated along Thika Road, Juja Road, and Outering Road, where President Ruto's convoy had passed.

Despite the scale of the violence, reports indicate that the police failed to respond in time. Some accounts suggest that the gangs blocked roads, leaving the police with no option but to fire warning shots into the air.

A group of rowdy goons allegedly attacking and robbing a beverage truck along Juja Road, March 11, 2025.

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Speaking on Spice FM on Wednesday, Omollo insisted that law enforcement must operate within legal boundaries.

“In the case yesterday where Kenyans were robbed, we have a responsibility to contain that, and while trying to do so, we must ensure a balance,” he said.

He added, “A balance in the sense that we have the responsibility to maintain security and protect Kenyans and their property. At the same time, we must also consider how we deal with criminals. Otherwise, we may risk violating fundamental human rights.”

The statement comes amid growing anger over police conduct, following allegations that officers killed three people during protests in Majengo last week. This is in addition to a 17-year-old allegedly shot dead by police on Monday last week, sparking violent demonstrations.

Omollo defended the police, arguing they are overstretched. “In this context, we expect the police to take responsibility for maintaining law and order. Our police-to-population ratio is far outside internationally acceptable standards, which should be approximately one officer per 400 people,” he said.

He further stated, “Now, in a population of over 55 million Kenyans, we have about 110,000 police officers. When you consider this alongside the size of the country, it becomes almost impossible to have officers in every corner.”

He stressed that maintaining security is a delicate balancing act. “We must protect Kenyans and their property, but we also have to be mindful of human rights,” he added.

Critics argue that the government is failing to protect citizens, with many questioning whether law enforcement is doing enough.

Interior PS Raymond Omollo engaging with digital journalist, Wednesday, December 18.

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