President William Ruto on Monday warned that the government will take decisive action against leaders who mobilize young people to incite violence, destroy property, and threaten lives.
Speaking during the graduation of nearly 6,000 chiefs and assistant chiefs at the National Police College Embakasi ‘A’ Campus, Ruto directed Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja to identify and prosecute anyone involved in acts of hooliganism and incitement.
“We cannot allow those using youth as goons to cause chaos and death to continue doing so. I have instructed the Inspector-General of Police that these individuals should face severe legal action to end hooliganism and stop activities that threaten the security of our country,” the President said.
Kenya has a long history of political violence, often fueled by the manipulation of youth during elections. Analysts note that past unrest—from post-election clashes in 2007-08 to sporadic local skirmishes—has repeatedly disrupted communities, destroyed property, and undermined national stability.
Ruto framed his remarks within the government’s broader agenda, linking security to economic growth. He noted that Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda hinges on stability and accountable leadership. “A secure and orderly environment is the first foundation for investment, growth and shared prosperity,” he said.
The President urged chiefs and assistant chiefs—the frontline officers at the grassroots—to identify criminals, including cattle rustlers and bandits, and to curb drug abuse, alcoholism, and gender-based violence. “Women are our mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters, and we must protect them,” he added.
Ruto also highlighted the role of chiefs and assistant chiefs in implementing government programs. He cited their success in registering more than seven million farmers, a dramatic increase from 300,000 at the start of his tenure, as well as supporting the registration of 27 million Kenyans under the Social Health Authority.
On economic empowerment, the President touted initiatives targeting youth and micro, small, and medium enterprises, including the Hustler Fund, NYOTA, and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund. Since its launch, NYOTA has disbursed over KSh300 million to more than 12,000 beneficiaries, with plans to expand nationwide.
The President also commissioned housing units for police at the Embakasi campus, emphasizing that decent living conditions for officers are critical to national security.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen underscored the government’s commitment, saying hooliganism would be addressed “without fear or favour,” while Inspector-General Kanja praised the enhanced training of chiefs and assistant chiefs for strengthening local justice systems.
Among those attending were Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, and Deputy Inspectors-General Eliud Lang’at and Gilbert Masengeli.
