Kenya: Ruto Warns New Police Officers Against Abuse of Power

What the report says

President William Ruto used a passing-out parade in Kiganjo, near Nairobi, to caution more than 6,000 newly trained police officers against corruption, excessive force and abuse of authority as they entered Kenya’s National Police Service. According to Capital FM’s report distributed by AllAfrica, he said the officers must apply the law professionally, respect the Constitution and treat citizens with dignity while serving in a constitutional democracy.

Ruto linked the message to wider concerns about policing ahead of Kenya’s 2027 general election. He said the police would need to protect democratic space and act against people who finance, organize, incite or carry out violence, rather than focusing only on those carrying weapons. He also said public trust is central to effective policing because it helps communities report crime and share intelligence.

The graduating cohort completed nine months of training that covered legal studies, firearms, investigations, human rights, counterterrorism, traffic management and community policing. Inspector-General Douglas Kanja said the recruits are ready to strengthen the service, while Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the intake is part of efforts to address staffing gaps and modernize police training for emerging threats, including online crime.

Ruto also said the government has pursued reforms on police welfare, including pay, housing, healthcare and equipment. The article said entry-level pay for police constables increased from Sh21,000 to Sh29,000 after a review. The broader significance is that Kenya is trying to pair recruitment and modernization with tighter accountability in a force often central to public order and election security.