Ruto to cops: I'll defend your actions if they're within the law

President William Ruto shakes hands with senior security officers at the Kenya School of Government on December 13, 2024./PCS

President William Ruto has praised the police for their swift action in apprehending perpetrators of femicide, as he urged all stakeholders to join hands in addressing the rising gender-based violence.

Ruto said parents, the public, and the religious leaders should step up efforts to end it terming this a moral issue emphasising that it cannot solely be left to law enforcement.

“Parents need to do more; the religious community needs to do more as the police do their part. It is not a matter that we can say we leave it to the police,” he said.

“Yes, the police will arrest; they will deal with many of those who will have committed the crimes, but as parents who morally should guide the young people in our nation, we should also step up so that we can deal with it from a broader and whole-society approach,” he stressed.

The head of state at the same time urged Kenyans to abide by the rule of law and always respect and cooperate with the security agencies.

This, as he pledged to defend police actions that are within the law and aimed at ensuring national security. He said everyone must live within the parameters of what is provided by the constitution.

“We have absolutely no reason, and there is no other way. This country must be secured,” he said.

“All other things, all other engagements, and any other progress cannot happen unless we have peace, security, and stability,” he said.

He noted that this is the bedrock upon which Kenyans can build meaningful progress going into the future.

Ruto made the remarks during the launch of National Police Service and State Department of Correctional Service strategic plans (2023-2027).

He also gave an undertaking to ensure that the police modernisation programme is completed by 2027.

“I intend to see to it completed in two years...so that we can have the equipment necessary, vehicle necessary, and ammunition necessary to protect our country,” he stated.