President William Ruto has declared his unwavering support for police officers, even as Kenyans mark the first anniversary of last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests that left over 60 people dead.

Speaking at State House Nairobi, where he hosted FKF Premier League champions, Kenya Police FC, the President said he was “very proud” of the police for their role in securing the country and protecting property.

His remarks came as members of the Gen Z prepared to honour victims killed during last year’s demonstrations, which were met with a heavy police crackdown.

The President’s comments come amid heightened scrutiny of the police, with several officers currently facing murder charges. Among them are five officers, including the Central Police Station’s Officer Commanding Station, charged with the murder of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang. Two more officers were recently arrested and arraigned at Milimani Law Courts over the shooting of hawker Boniface Kariuki.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat “stepped aside” in connection with Ojwang’s killing and was replaced by his deputy, Patrick Tito. Lagat is reportedly at the centre of the investigation, having allegedly ordered Ojwang’s arrest for “assassinating his character online”.

Separately, seven officers are facing charges over the shooting of Daniel Mwangi in Nakuru’s London Estate on June 9. They remain in custody as investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) continue.

Despite the controversies, President Ruto insisted his administration would continue to stand by police officers to enable them to discharge their duties and safeguard the country.

“To the men and women who wear the uniform — from constables to commanders — I give you my full assurance: the Government of Kenya will stand with you as you protect our country and keep our people and property safe,” Ruto said.

Raila’s call

He urged Kenyans to avoid vilifying police officers, stressing the need to support them in maintaining peace and order.

“To those who seek to undermine, demean or intimidate our security agencies, I say: you are doing the wrong thing. Our officers deserve our full backing,” he stated.

The President also reiterated that no one is above the law.

“You cannot intimidate the police, threaten or assault them — because in doing so, you threaten the very peace and security of our nation. These officers are our frontline defenders. As they protect us, we must also protect them,” he said.

Speaking in Mombasa, ODM party leader Raila Odinga reaffirmed the right of all Kenyans to assemble and protest peacefully, saying it was enshrined in the Constitution.

“Article 37 guarantees every Kenyan the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public authorities. Protestors and police should agree on routes in advance so that security can be ensured. As long as they are peaceful and unarmed, protestors should be allowed to picket,” said Raila.

Ruto, meanwhile, highlighted his administration’s efforts to improve the welfare of police officers in recognition of their exemplary service.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, speaking at the same State House event, warned against attempts to use protests to incite violence.

“We’ve received information from some political actors, who just months ago were defending law and order, that they are now buying machetes and clubs to distribute to young people to cause chaos,” he said.

Murkomen insisted that there was no justification for today’s planned protests, adding that legal processes were already underway in cases of police misconduct.

“There may have been unfortunate incidents during operations, but the law is being followed. Despite this, some are using any excuse to cause mayhem and disrupt businesses,” he said.

Maintain order

He argued that Kenya’s police operate in one of the most challenging legal and political environments, constrained in their ability to maintain order.

“In some countries like the UK or the US, someone merely tweeting that they will march to 10 Downing Street or the White House would be picked from their house and charged. Yet in Kenya, people can threaten to invade Parliament, the Judiciary, even State House — and face no consequences,” he said.

Murkomen said the government was open to meeting families who lost loved ones during last year’s protests.

“At the Ministry, we are ready to meet the families of those who tragically lost their children. Regardless of what happened, from a human perspective, we want to support them. Our doors are open. We ask political opportunists to step aside and let these families speak to us directly,” he said.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja also issued a warning to protestors, reminding them not to access protected areas during today’s demonstrations.

“Unauthorised persons must refrain from accessing protected areas under the Protected Areas Act,” Kanja said in a statement.

He echoed the President’s sentiments, urging the public not to provoke police officers during protests.

“To all officers deployed today, you have our full support as you carry out your duties. We also urge members of the public to avoid acts that may provoke our officers in the course of their work,” he said.