Ruto to Police: I’ll defend you as long as you operate within the law

President William Ruto has urged the police to operate within the law to regain trust from the public and security in the country.

The directive comes at a time when the rate of Gender Based Violence and other firms of social vile are on rise with the police accused of reluctancy and some perpetrators of crimes.

At the same time,the head of State has reaffirmed that the police and other security agents will be on surveillance during the festive season to maintain law and order.

Ruto has that said parents, the public, and the religious leaders should step up efforts to tackle crime and immorality terming this a moral issue emphasizing that it cannot solely be left to law enforcement.

“We have absolutely no reason and there is no other way.This country must be secure”
He noted that this is the bedrock upon which Kenyans can build meaningful progress going into the future.
“Parents need to do more; the religious community needs to do more as the police do their part. It is not a matter that we can say we leave it to the police,” he said.

“Yes, the police will arrest; they will deal with many of those who will have committed the crimes, but as parents who morally should guide the young people in our nation, we should also step up so that we can deal with it from a broader and whole-society approach,” he stressed.

The head of state at the same time urged Kenyans to abide by the rule of law and always respect and cooperate with the security agencies.

This, as he pledged to defend police actions that are within the law and aimed at ensuring national security. He said everyone must live within the parameters of what is provided by the constitution.

“We have absolutely no reason, and there is no other way. This country must be secured,” he said.

“All other things, all other engagements, and any other progress cannot happen unless we have peace, security, and stability,” he said.

He noted that this is the bedrock upon which Kenyans can build meaningful progress going into the future.

Ruto made the remarks during the launch of National Police Service and State Department of Correctional Service strategic plans (2023-2027).

He also gave an undertaking to ensure that the police modernisation programme is completed by 2027.

“I intend to see to it completed in two years…so that we can have the equipment necessary, vehicle necessary, and ammunition necessary to protect our country,” he stated.