President William Ruto has strongly condemned recent attacks on police officers and their stations, describing them as a “declaration of war” against the Republic of Kenya.
Speaking on Tuesday, July 8, during the commissioning of the police affordable housing project in Kilimani, Nairobi, the President warned that the government would not tolerate violence targeting security agencies and public property.
“Anybody who goes and attacks the police or a police station is declaring war in the Republic of Kenya. It is not acceptable. Enough is enough,” said President Ruto.
His remarks come in the wake of increasing incidents of police stations being torched by angry protesters, who accuse officers of using excessive force and committing human rights violations during recent demonstrations.
In Nyamira County, an angry crowd recently burned down Itibo Police Station after a student was reportedly shot dead by police officers.
A similar incident took place on July 3 in Homa Bay County during the funeral procession of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, where mourners torched Mawego Police Station.
Ojwang had allegedly died in police custody after being booked at the same station.
Other stations targeted by protesters include Ndunyu Njeru in Nyandarua and Kikuyu Police Station and Law Courts in Kiambu County. In each case, demonstrators cited police brutality and fatal shootings as the reasons behind their anger.
President Ruto said the government would use all legal means to ensure peace and order are restored across the country.
While highlighting efforts to revive the economy, he emphasized that the safety of Kenyans and the protection of their property remained the government’s top priority.
The Head of State also took aim at unnamed politicians whom he accused of planning and inciting chaos, warning that those attempting to destabilize the government would be held accountable.
“There are people who think they can use anarchy to plot a coup through the back door. That will not happen under my watch,” he added.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), at least 31 people have died in connection with the recent unrest, with dozens more injured during confrontations with police.
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