Ruto: It cannot be business as usual after police attacks, firearm thefts, arson

President William Ruto has declared that the country cannot return to normalcy after police officers were injured, police stations were burnt, and firearms were stolen during the violent June 25 protests.

Speaking at State House on Saturday in a closed-door meeting with top security officials, Ruto told police bosses that protecting officers and their families is now his responsibility.

He vowed to stand firmly with every man and woman in uniform, saying the safety of law enforcers is directly tied to the safety of the entire country.

“It cannot be business as usual if 80 police vehicles have been burnt, when tens of police stations have been burnt, uniforms stolen, firearms stolen. It cannot be business as usual,” Ruto said.

“We have to agree that things must change for us as government, for the security agencies and citizens as well,” he added.

The President said the government will change the way it handles matters of security to ensure peace is restored and protected nationwide. He warned that if police officers are not safe, then no Kenyan is truly safe.

“We cannot have a country where criminals are running after police officers, where police officers are fleeing because their lives are in danger,” he said. “If the life of a police officer is in danger, then whose life is safe?” the President posed.

Ruto said his administration is fully committed to ensuring that no police officer is left exposed.

“It is my responsibility as President to make sure that you are safe, your families are safe, so that you can secure and make our country safe. And that I will do, and I will go out of my way,” he noted

He added that the only way police can protect the country is if they are protected. “You cannot secure others if you are not safe.”

The President further said the government will provide officers with the equipment and support they need to protect both themselves and the public.

“For our men and women in uniform to be safe, we must give them the equipment for them to be safe so that they can secure our nation, our families, our properties, and our children,” he said.

Going further, Ruto emphasised that the duty to protect the country’s security officers is shared by all citizens.

“As you do, we will equally, and we are equally obligated to make sure that we secure your families, your children and yourself. The government of Kenya and I, as President, I will make sure that in the discharge of your duties, every security officer is equally secured by the people of Kenya,” he added.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, his deputies, and the Director of Criminal Investigations were among those present at the meeting.

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• Ruto: It cannot be business as usual after police attacks
• firearm thefts

The President’s remarks came a day after he described the violent protests as “a well-planned and unconstitutional attempt at regime change.” He labelled the unrest as “calculated chaos” and “economic sabotage,” saying the government has gathered evidence on those who organised and financed the demonstrations.

The protests erupted across major towns, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisii, Nyeri, Nakuru, and Eldoret, with thousands of mostly young people taking to the streets to demand justice for victims of police brutality, reforms in governance, and accountability from public officials. Police responded with force, including the use of live ammunition in some areas.

Amnesty International reported that at least 16 people were killed, while more than 400 were injured.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said over 300 police officers were also injured, some sustaining serious or life-changing wounds.

According to the government, at least nine police stations were attacked, five of them set on fire in towns such as Dagoretti, Molo and Ol Kalou. A total of 88 police vehicles were destroyed, alongside more than 90 other government and private vehicles. Five firearms were stolen from Dagoretti Police Post, and four others were burnt at Gachui Police Post.