Ruto calls for firm action on hooliganism

President William Ruto has warned that the government will no longer tolerate leaders who deploy young people as goons to unleash chaos, destroy property or endanger lives.

He directed Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja to move decisively against anyone involved in hooliganism or incitement, insisting that Kenya’s security cannot be compromised by lawlessness.

“We cannot allow those using youth as goons to cause chaos and death to continue doing so,” the President said, adding that such individuals must face severe legal action.

He spoke on Monday during the commissioning  of Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs at the National Police College Embakasi ‘A’ Campus in Nairobi.

Ruto said Kenya’s economic progress relies on security, stability and responsible leadership, noting that the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda depends on a safe and orderly environment.

“A secure and orderly environment is the first foundation for investment, growth and shared prosperity,” he said.

He urged chiefs and assistant chiefs to help identify cattle rustlers, bandits and individuals threatening public safety, stressing that criminals cannot operate freely when state officers are present across the country.

The President also announced a whole-of-government approach to curb drug abuse, alcoholism and illicit alcohol, while reaffirming the need to protect victims of gender violence.

“Women are our mothers, sisters, wives and daughters, and we must protect them,” he said.

Ruto said the training of nearly 6,000 chiefs and assistant chiefs reflects the government’s push to professionalise the public sector and improve grassroots service delivery.

All public officers, he added, will be required to undergo training within six months of employment to strengthen their effectiveness.

He noted that chiefs will play a central role in educating the public on government programmes, including education, affordable housing and healthcare, ensuring households receive accurate information and benefit from ongoing initiatives.

“You are expected to enhance public awareness, counter misinformation, mobilise uptake, protect public land and support orderly implementation of housing projects,” he said.

The President praised chiefs and assistant chiefs for their role in expanding farmer registration from 300,000 to 7.1 million and for working closely with community health promoters, resulting in the registration of 27 million Kenyans under the Social Health Authority.

Ruto highlighted the government’s investment in micro, small and medium enterprises through platforms such as the Hustler Fund, National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund.

He also outlined broader efforts to strengthen cooperatives, community enterprises and county-level industrialisation.

“Since the launch of NYOTA, 12,155 beneficiaries have received more than Sh300 million,” he said, adding that the programme includes work experience opportunities, skills recognition and savings initiatives to support young entrepreneurs.

The President said the government is expanding digital public services, with more than 27,000 services already available online, and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring police officers live and work in decent conditions after commissioning new housing units at the National Police College Embakasi ‘A’ Campus.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen echoed the President’s stance, saying the rise in hooliganism must be addressed “without fear or favour.”

Inspector-General Kanja emphasised the crucial role of chiefs and assistant chiefs in justice processes and commended the government for granting the National Police Service financial autonomy and including officers in the Affordable Housing Programme.