Ruto Orders Police to Crush Political Gangs Ahead of 2027 Elections

President William Ruto has directed newly graduated Kenya Police Service officers to take firm action against political gangs ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking at the Kiganjo Police Training College, Ruto said security agencies must act impartially against individuals who organise, recruit or finance political violence.

He said accountability should not stop with young people found carrying weapons, arguing that those who organise and fund political gangs must also face justice. 

Ruto said no politician should be allowed to maintain private militias under the guise of providing security. He stressed that political competition should be based on ideas, policies and leadership rather than intimidation or ethnic mobilisation. He said violence organised for political purposes has no place in a democratic society.

Ruto referred to Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, demonstration and petition. He told officers that while legitimate dissent must be protected, the Constitution does not protect acts such as arson, looting, assault or the destruction of property.

“You must neither criminalise legitimate dissent nor excuse violence committed under the cover of politics,” he said.

The President said security agencies have a responsibility to protect Kenyans who attend political rallies, question leaders and make independent choices. He also said politicians should be able to campaign across the country without obstruction.

Ruto described political goonism as a threat to national cohesion and urged officers to protect political activity while maintaining public order.

His remarks come as Kenya approaches another electoral cycle, with concerns over the potential for political violence. He placed responsibility on security agencies to ensure that the 2027 elections are conducted in a manner that protects both democratic freedoms and public safety.

Ruto said the success of these efforts would depend on institutions enforcing the law impartially and resisting political interference. He said elections should be contests over leadership and policy rather than violence and intimidation.