Ruto Vows Crackdown After Deadly Protests Target Police, Public Property
The president’s remarks followed widespread chaos triggered by long-standing grievances over police brutality and governance failures.
President William Ruto vowed to hold accountable those behind recent violent attacks on police officers and public property, warning that a nation cannot be secure “where criminals run after our policemen,” during a security briefing with county and regional officials at State House on June 28, 2025. Photo/President William Ruto.
By Robert Assad
President William Ruto vowed to hold accountable those behind recent violent attacks on police officers and public property, following deadly protests that erupted across Kenya on Wednesday, June 25.
Speaking at a security briefing with county and regional officials at State House, Ruto warned that a nation cannot be secure “where criminals run after our policemen.” June 28, 2025.
He said the government will take firm action against individuals who assaulted law enforcement and vandalized infrastructure during the demonstrations, calling the unrest a “mayhem” that endangered public safety. “We will stand by every man and woman in uniform,” Ruto said, pledging continued support to police as they maintain order.
The president’s remarks followed widespread chaos triggered by long-standing grievances over police brutality and governance failures. The protests, which swept through 23 counties, left at least 16 people dead, many from gunshot wounds, according to rights groups. Businesses were looted and several police stations torched, along with homes of six lawmakers allied to the government.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen later authorized police to use live ammunition if necessary to protect stations and officers under attack. “If a station is being burned, criminals will be shot,” Murkomen said, clarifying the directive was not aimed at the general public.
Ruto’s address comes amid growing demands for police reform and justice for victims of state violence. Advocacy groups have linked over 60 deaths to police actions since July 2024 and documented 26 unresolved disappearances in recent months.
The government’s next steps include prosecuting those responsible for the attacks and assessing gaps in the current security response. Ruto emphasized that national stability and development depend on safeguarding those who enforce the law.
“Our families cannot be safe if the lives of police officers are in danger,” he said. “This trend must change.”
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