President William Ruto has addressed the growing concerns over the alleged abduction of former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter and the overall conduct of the police force.
The incident, which occurred today in Nairobi in broad daylight, sparked outrage and distress among Keter’s family and the public, leading to intense scrutiny of the government’s handling of such cases.
A video shown during the conference depicted the abduction scene, capturing the screams of Keter’s children and wife. When asked how he felt about the distress caused to Keter’s family, President Ruto expressed empathy, acknowledging the emotional turmoil that any family undergoes when a loved one is arrested. However, he emphasized the necessity of operating within the rule of law.
“I made a deliberate decision to ensure that the police operate independently,” President Ruto stated. He explained that if an individual is summoned by the police and fails to respond, the police have the right to apprehend them. “When the police come to arrest you after they have summoned you and you didn’t show up, is that an abduction?” he questioned, urging the public to differentiate between lawful arrests and abductions.
@nomadpress Former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter has been arrested by Police outside Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Kileleshwa, Nairobi. #kenya ♬ original sound – nomadpress
The President confirmed that Keter had been summoned by the police and failed to comply, justifying the subsequent arrest. He urged for clarity and understanding regarding the police’s actions, highlighting the importance of adhering to legal protocols.
Addressing broader concerns, President Ruto acknowledged the pain and suffering experienced by families affected by both police actions. He condemned the excessive use of force by the police but insisted on the necessity of a firm approach against criminals who threaten public safety and property.
“We must condemn excessive use of police powers, but we must equally deal firmly and decisively with criminals who put the lives of other Kenyans in danger,” he asserted. President Ruto pointed out the significant economic losses and emotional distress caused by recent protests, emphasizing the need for balance in law enforcement.
The President reiterated his commitment to upholding the rule of law and holding the police accountable for their actions. He assured that any deviation from legal procedures by the police would be addressed, emphasizing that all operations must be within the constitutional framework.
@nomadpress Former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter released by Police. #kenya #nandihills ♬ original sound – nomadpress
Ruto called for unity and responsible governance, urging parliamentarians to represent the interests of Kenyans and not be swayed by executive pressures. “We must operate within the parameters of the rule of law,” he concluded, stressing the importance of accountability and transparency in law enforcement and governance.
This comes at a time of heightened tension and public scrutiny of the government’s handling of security and law enforcement, with many calling for greater transparency and adherence to legal standards.
