Don’t confront, demean police officers during protests – Farouk tells Kenyans

President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet has asked Kenyans, especially the youth, to respect the work of the police and avoid confrontations aimed at demeaning the officers.

Farouk said police are performing an important role in society and should be supported to work better for the benefit of all Kenyans.

“We must have respect and a good working relationship between the police and the public because we all need peace and security,” said Farouk.

Farouk made the remarks during a church service at St. Joseph’s Emgoin Catholic Church in Turbo constituency.

He was with former Cheranganyi MP Wesley Korir and MCAs including Gilbert Lagat of Kiplombe, Nicholas Bitok of Tapsagoi, Samwel Sawe of Kamagut, and nominated MCA Jesse Tirop.

Also present was the chairman of ELDOWAS, David Singoei, and the Uasin Gishu County Executive for Environment, Anthony Sitienei.

Farouk said police must also ensure they act within the law always to avoid unfortunate incidents like the death of blogger Albert Ojwang at Central Police Station in Nairobi.

“What we don’t want are the rogue police officers who don’t act according to the law. Otherwise, the majority of our officers are good people whom we should support,” said Farouk.

At the same time, he told off the opposition, claiming that they have been inciting violence and hatred in the country.

“They are the ones who have been organising and financing violent demonstrations because they do not believe in peace,” said Farouk.

He said that despite incitement, the people of Mt Kenya region, including Meru, have declared their support for Ruto.

“The Meru community are very good people and they have made it clear that they are behind President Ruto and the government,” said Farouk.

He at the same time condemned what he termed as “tribal politics” which he said were being propagated by some opposition leaders.

He said Kenyans had given some of the opposition leaders an opportunity to serve, but some failed to meet the expectations.

Farouk dismissed narratives that Ruto will be one-term president saying that would not be possible because Kenyans are happy with the work being done by the president.

“A nation is built through unity and by leaders who value peace. Not the likes of opposition leaders who thrive on divisions and hatred,” said Farouk.

He asked church leaders to also rise up and oppose leaders who preach disunity among Kenyans.

“Our church leaders should support us to build a cohesive society and condemn leaders who preach disunity,” said Farouk.