Kenya: Ruto Fires Back At Critics of New Police Uniforms

What the report says

President William Ruto has defended Kenya’s newly introduced police uniforms after criticism over their design, saying the changes are part of a broader reform drive for the National Police Service. According to Capital FM’s report carried by AllAfrica, he spoke in Nairobi during the 59th Passing-Out Parade for Administration Police recruits at the National Police College in Embakasi.

Ruto said the uniforms for general duty officers unveiled the previous week were not meant to stand alone, but to fit into a wider modernization programme. He said the design was developed through consultation with police officers and members of the public, with attention to officers’ professional identity, operational needs and dignity.

The president also used the occasion to argue that reform should be judged across the full system, not only by clothing changes. He said the programme includes police pay, welfare, housing, training, equipment, technology and infrastructure, and he welcomed scrutiny of how public funds are spent. He cautioned, however, against condemning people without evidence.

As general background, police uniform changes often draw public attention because they can symbolize broader institutional change. In this case, Ruto framed the uniforms as one element of a larger effort to build a more professional, disciplined and effective police service.