Wednesday showdown: Kenyans criticise President William Ruto for backing police ahead of June 25 protests
Angry Kenyans took to social media platforms on Tuesday, criticising the President’s stance, accusing him of choosing state power over citizen rights.
Kenyans have slammed President William Ruto for defending security forces ahead of Wednesday’s nationwide protests, accusing him of turning a blind eye to concerns over police brutality.
While many citizens, including civil society groups, religious leaders and youth activists, maintain that the demonstrations are a constitutional right, the President insists the police must be supported to maintain order.
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Angry Kenyans took to social media platforms on Tuesday, criticising the President’s stance, accusing him of choosing state power over citizen rights.
Speaking at State House on Tuesday, Ruto voiced unwavering support for the country’s security agencies, insisting that they should not be vilified or intimidated as they work to maintain peace.
He warned that undermining police officers posed a risk to national stability, saying law enforcers deserved respect and full backing in the execution of their duties.
“For the people who want to undermine and intimidate our security agencies, I am telling them that you are doing the wrong thing. Our security men and women deserve every support for them to secure our nation,” he said.
He emphasised that without peace, security and stability, Kenya risks plunging into chaos.
But the President’s remarks did little to calm public outrage, as many Kenyans, particularly youth, took to social media to accuse him of ignoring the rising toll of police violence during protests.
Kenyans on X questioned why the President appeared to demand respect for the police without addressing what they described as rampant misconduct and unprovoked brutality by officers.
One user, referred to as Yussuf Omar Dakane, noted that public respect must be earned through service, not fear.
“Who should make the first move - citizens respecting the police, or police earning the respect of citizens through protection and dignity?” Omar said.
“Police brutality still overshadows the police service. How do they think they can rebuild policing as a force for protection, not fear?”
Another one said respect was a “two-way traffic”, arguing that civilians continue to be killed by police with impunity.
“The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) reported yesterday 20 more deaths in the hands of the police. In Mwiki, another person was shot live on camera. Our brother at KNH is fighting for his life on a machine… Respect follows Newton’s law of motion,” MMkiush wrote.
Others also criticised the President for choosing to focus on the protection of businesses over the rights of demonstrators. One commentator said Ruto had missed the opportunity to assure young people that the police would safeguard them during peaceful protests, instead portraying the security forces as a shield for property rather than people.
“All I hear is that police are there to protect businesses. Where are we heading?” Fran Mdleleni said.
Crazy Jay added: “We love and respect the police very much, but when they mistreat us while exercising our rights, that’s not something we can ignore.”
Kariuki GG noted: “Respect is a two-way traffic. We don’t fight the police—they fight and kill us. If Ruto wants to talk about respect, he should direct that message to the police, not the victims.”
Kenyans also pointed to the poor working conditions of rank-and-file officers, accusing the government of using and discarding them. Some expressed sympathy for low-ranking officers, saying they, too, were victims, underpaid, overworked, and housed in deplorable conditions, yet ordered to turn on fellow citizens.
The outrage comes on the eve of nationwide Gen Z protests expected on Wednesday to mark the anniversary of last year’s youth-led demonstrations. Activists say the protests are aimed at demanding accountability and justice for victims of police abuse, which they claim remains unaddressed.
Calls for greater police accountability have intensified following recent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcers. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported that at least 22 people were injured during last week's protests in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale. Victims included peaceful protesters, some of whom suffered gunshot wounds, head injuries, and trauma from tear gas exposure.
Among the most serious cases was that of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, who was shot at close range by police in the Nairobi CBD. Kariuki remains on life support, with his family saying his hospital bill has already surpassed Sh1 million.
In another case, 21-year-old Samuel Omondi Okoth is recovering at Kenyatta National Hospital after being shot eight times in the back with rubber bullets during last week’s protests. Doctors have removed seven bullets, but one remains lodged near his spine, raising fears he may never walk again.
Meanwhile, security agencies have indicated they are on high alert ahead of Wednesday’s protests, with the government keen to avoid a repeat of last year’s unrest.
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