Ruto: We will not tolerate criminal acts by police officers

President William Ruto has issued a firm warning against criminal activities within the police service, following the controversial death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody.

Speaking when he hosted leaders from Nakuru County, Ruto said they will not tolerate any form of misconduct by those entrusted to protect Kenyans, regardless of their position or uniform

He urged the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to ensure that any officer in uniform who engages in criminal activity instead of protecting citizens is brought to book and held to account decisively and efficiently.

This, he said, will help restore the confidence of Kenyans in the security apparatus.

"We cannot accept ya kwamba kuna uhalifu unaendelea na police officers wetu wengine wako involved,” he said.

“Whether criminals are in civilian or uniform, we must deal with them firmly and decisively, and the law must apply to every person so that we can protect life and property.

The President’s remarks come amid growing public outrage and calls for justice after Ojwang reportedly died under suspicious circumstances in the hands of police officers.

Ojwang is said to have been arrested on Saturday at his Homa Bay home before being transferred to Nairobi and taken to Central Police Station, where he died.

Human rights groups and community leaders have demanded a thorough investigation, insisting on accountability.

Ruto assured the nation that any officer found culpable will face the full force of the law.

"Wale wote ambao wanatumia nafasi zao vibaya, kama ni askari ama mwingine yeyote, watajibu mbele ya sheria. Tunataka polisi waadilifu, wanaolinda wananchi, sio kuwatisha."

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the National police service discharges its responsibility, independently, fairly and with results.

The President also issued a statement over Ojwang's death.

While mourning Ojwang, the President called upon the National Police Service to move with speed in investigating the incident.

“The Service must therefore rise to the challenge of firmly dealing with crime and lawlessness, while also eradicating misconduct and unprofessional behaviour within its own ranks,” he said.

“I fully expect that the truth about what happened to Ojwang will be established in due course, and that justice will be served.”