Security agencies are independent, my office doesn’t interfere – Ruto
The president emphasised that since taking office, he has remained committed to ensuring the National Police Service operates independently.
President William Ruto has reiterated his stance on not interfering with the duties of security agencies.
Ruto spoke on live television on Sunday night, in a roundtable interview he requested, which was broadcast from the State House in Nairobi with Linus Kaikai (Citizen TV), Joe Ageyo (NTV), and Eric Latiff (KTN).
The president emphasised that since taking office, he has remained committed to ensuring the National Police Service operates independently.
More To Read
- Four suspects linked to criminal gang arrested over Kasipul MP Charles Were murder
- Over 100,000 police officers miss out on insurance benefits despite Sh6 billion cover
- NPS condemns harassment of journalists at drama festivals Nakuru, vows disciplinary action
- National Assembly approves additional cash for underfunded police functions
- Police assure journalists of safety amid rising cases of harassment, intimidation
- Special police unit set up to investigate rising cases of femicide, gender-based crimes
"I made three commitments when I assumed office: that I will ensure the police are independent and I did that on the first day; that there are no more extrajudicial killings in Kenya; and that if there is any arrest, it not amount to abduction ... I have kept all those promises [sic]," Ruto said.
Responding to questions regarding the arrest of former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter, the president stated that the police are justified in arresting anyone who fails to honour a summons.
However, Ruto did not confirm whether a summons was issued in this particular case.
He said, "If the police summon you, and you refuse to go, are they not entitled to come and look for you? If they come, how does that amount to abduction?"
The former MP was taken by un-uniformed people, some armed, who took him to the Kamukunji police cells.
Keter was arrested as he left a church in the Kileleshwa area of Nairobi with his family, who were heard screaming in the background.
Keter, a vocal government critic, was released later in the day and told journalists at a press briefing that he would not be intimidated.
Top Stories Today
- Who is Robert Prevost, the new pope?
- Cardinal Robert Prevost elected as Pope Leo XIV
- Who is Erastus Edung Ethekon? Ruto’s nominee for IEBC Chairperson
- Sifuna, Owino urge MCAs to fearlessly continue oversight work after Munuve’s death
- Education spending to fall despite rising enrolment, more schools
- Rains to persist across Kenya with isolated heavy downpours - Met
- UDA launches registration portal for grassroots elections in 22 counties
- Over 5,000 number plates ready for collection - NTSA
- Kasipul MP Were murder case: Suspects to their know fate on Friday
- Concerns raised over DPP's handling of Baby Pendo's murder case
- Explainer: Who are the striking UHC workers, and why are they protesting?
- White smoke appears from chimney of Sistine Chapel, signals new pope elected
- Ruto nominates Erastus Ethekon as IEBC chairperson
- HELB streamlines loan repayments for both local and overseas borrowers
- Kasipul MP’s bodyguard, driver spoke and held meetings with suspects before murder
- More Kenyans disappeared during anti-riot operations than during anti-terror operations
- DCI arrests 28 suspects, recovers 22 stolen vehicles across 11 counties
- Security, polls dominate Somalia's National Consultative Council meeting
- Were murder probe: Detectives trace suspicious call to MP's bodyguard
- "Joel touched many lives," Family, friends pay tribute to MCA Munuve
