President Ruto Admits Police Misconducts at Protests
President William Ruto admitted on Tuesday that Kenya’s security forces have been involved in abuses, following protests against recent alleged kidnappings that have sparked nationwide outrage.
The East African country’s security forces have faced accusations of carrying out illegal detentions since youth-led anti-government protests in June and July were forcefully suppressed.
On Monday, police detained many protesters and used tear gas to break up small rallies demanding the release of those who had gone missing.
“It’s clear that there have been cases of excessive and illegal actions by security personnel,” Ruto stated in his New Year’s address, without going into details.
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“However, it’s important to remember that freedom has limits, and the need for public safety and order always outweighs the desire for unchecked freedom.”
Last week, the president vowed to “stop the abductions,” a promise human rights groups saw as an admission of wrongdoing.
He also urged parents to take responsibility for their children.
The recent disappearances mainly involve young people critical of Ruto online, including two who shared an AI-generated image of the president in a coffin.
“These events show that our moral values are being threatened, especially due to the misuse of digital technology, particularly social media, to promote negative behavior and weaken our morals,” Ruto added in his year-end speech.
– ‘Explain under oath’ –
A Nairobi court on Monday ruled that security forces must “immediately and unconditionally” release five men who were allegedly abducted.
Judge Bahati Mwamuye ordered police to bring the men to court on Tuesday or “explain under oath” their whereabouts.
None of the missing men appeared in court, and a grieving father asked where his son was. The police inspector general, who had also been summoned, sent a representative in his place.
Although police deny any involvement in the disappearances, activists have criticized their lack of investigation into the matter.
Earlier this year, Human Rights Watch pointed to a unit from various security agencies as being involved.
Last week, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported seven abduction cases this month, with six of the victims still missing.
Overall, 29 of the 82 people reported missing since June remain unaccounted for, according to the KNCHR.
President Ruto Admits Police Misconducts at Protests
