“Hands Off My Cop!” Ruto Explodes as Police Boss Kanja Dragged into Political Storm in Mt. Kenya
President says Kanja was doing his job, not politics
President William Ruto has defended the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, over his recent appearance during the President’s tour in Nyeri County on Friday, April 4.
Speaking while handing over Affordable Housing units to police officers, Ruto said that IG Kanja was present as part of his official duties and not for political reasons.
“Some people want to create confusion. I was in Nyeri to give title deeds to citizens. The IG attended that event, and now people are attacking him for doing his job,” Ruto said.
IG Kanja Faces Criticism
Earlier on April 2, Kanja joined Ruto during his Mt. Kenya tour. During the rally, Kanja assured Kenyans that the police service will continue to uphold law and order fairly and without political bias.
However, his presence sparked public debate. Many questioned why the IG was attending what some viewed as a political event. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) criticized Kanja and asked him to either apologize or step down.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo said Kanja broke the law by appearing at a political gathering, claiming it showed bias and undermined the independence of the police service.
Ruto Responds to LSK Criticism
President Ruto dismissed the criticism, saying the police are important in both security and development efforts. He argued that Kanja was not the only officer at the event.
“There were almost 300 officers at the Nyeri event. Why are people only targeting the IG? He wasn’t there for politics,” Ruto explained.
The National Police Service also defended Kanja, saying he was simply fulfilling his duty to ensure the President’s safety. According to the National Police Service Act 2011, the IG is required to oversee security when the President is on official tours.
No Political Campaigns, Ruto Says
President Ruto also denied claims that his development tours are secret political campaigns for the 2027 General Elections.
“Not everything should be viewed through political lenses. We are here to serve Kenyans and fulfill the promises we made,” he said.
Ruto emphasized that his focus is on development, not politics.
“Hands Off My Cop!” Ruto Explodes as Police Boss Kanja Dragged into Political Storm in Mt. Kenya
