National

Security agencies are independent, my office doesn’t interfere – Ruto

Police officers on Uhuru Highway during the anti-Finance Bill protests on June 20, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)

By Maureen Kinyanjui | Sunday, June 30, 2024

The president emphasised that since taking office, he has remained committed to ensuring the National Police Service operates independently.

President William Ruto has reiterated his stance on not interfering with the duties of security agencies.

Ruto spoke on live television on Sunday night, in a roundtable interview he requested, which was broadcast from the State House in Nairobi with Linus Kaikai (Citizen TV), Joe Ageyo (NTV), and Eric Latiff (KTN).

The president emphasised that since taking office, he has remained committed to ensuring the National Police Service operates independently.

Keep reading

"I made three commitments when I assumed office: that I will ensure the police are independent and I did that on the first day; that there are no more extrajudicial killings in Kenya; and that if there is any arrest, it not amount to abduction ... I have kept all those promises [sic]," Ruto said.

Responding to questions regarding the arrest of former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter, the president stated that the police are justified in arresting anyone who fails to honour a summons.

However, Ruto did not confirm whether a summons was issued in this particular case.

He said, "If the police summon you, and you refuse to go, are they not entitled to come and look for you? If they come, how does that amount to abduction?"

The former MP was taken by un-uniformed people, some armed, who took him to the Kamukunji police cells.

Keter was arrested as he left a church in the Kileleshwa area of Nairobi with his family, who were heard screaming in the background.

Keter, a vocal government critic, was released later in the day and told journalists at a press briefing that he would not be intimidated.

Former Nandi MP Alfred Keter: We will never be intimidated with silence. pic.twitter.com/oY3RCK3A5a
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) June 30, 2024