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In his end-of-year address at the Kisii State Lodge on December 31, 2024, President William Ruto candidly acknowledged that some members of Kenya’s security services have been involved in excessive and extrajudicial actions. While emphasizing the gravity of these incidents, the President reassured the public that measures are in place to address them through proper legal channels.
“It cannot be denied that there have been instances of excessive and extrajudicial actions by members of the security services,” President Ruto stated. “At the same time, due process is underway in appropriate institutions to ensure accountability.”
The President highlighted the delicate balance between safeguarding individual rights and maintaining public safety. While recognizing the importance of freedoms in a democratic society, he stressed that public order and security must always take precedence. “Every freedom has its limits, and public safety and order must always supersede the desire for unchecked liberty,” he said.
This acknowledgment follows previous comments made by President Ruto in which he condemned illegal arrests and the misuse of power by law enforcement officials. In November 2024, he underscored the serious threats posed by extrajudicial actions to citizens’ rights and called for these issues to be reported to relevant oversight bodies, such as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
Further reinforcing his stance on the rule of law, President Ruto warned police officers against using excessive force and reiterated the necessity for adherence to due process. He also appealed to the public to cooperate with law enforcement in a respectful manner to prevent further incidents of police misconduct.
The President’s remarks reflect a growing commitment by his administration to ensure that Kenya’s security forces operate within the bounds of the law and are held accountable for any violations. As the nation moves into the new year, these statements signal an ongoing effort to improve the relationship between the security services and the public, with a focus on justice and respect for individual rights.