President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that action will be taken against rogue police officers accused of shooting protesters during the recent anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, once investigations are completed.
Addressing concerns raised by Kenyans on X, President Ruto responded to allegations of heavy-handedness by security forces during the protests.
One officer has been specifically linked to the shooting of Rex Kanyike Masai, a 29-year-old man killed on June 24.
“On the matter of this rogue police officer, I want to get the exact details of who this is. I assure you that we will apprehend him and deal with him according to the law,” Ruto stated.
He urged the public to send any relevant pictures, videos, or details to his spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, his inbox, or the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
The President emphasized that his administration would not tolerate any form of police brutality or extrajudicial killings. “Every officer found culpable will be brought to book,” he assured.
This pledge follows a Cabinet statement that had earlier praised security officers for their professionalism during the protests, despite the criticism from various quarters.
On June 30, President Ruto defended his administration’s handling of the protests against the Finance Bill 2024, expressing a willingness to engage with the Generation Z protesters.
“I have no blood on my hands,” he said, acknowledging that the loss of life is a serious concern.
Human rights organizations have reported over 40 deaths related to the protests, but President Ruto contested this figure, stating that only 25 people had died.