Amid rising tension, chaos, and public disorder in various parts of the country, Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has issued a passionate appeal to His Excellency the President to act decisively in restoring peace, stability, and the rule of law.
In a strongly worded statement, Ngetich warned that the country is veering dangerously close to anarchy, with emboldened criminal gangs hiding behind the veil of democracy, freedoms, and human rights to provoke and attack law enforcement officers who are constitutionally mandated to maintain law and order.
“We condemn police brutality and the excessive use of force,” Ngetich said. “But at the same time, we must confront the hard truth – our police officers are heavily demoralized and discouraged, facing rising cases of provocation, harassment, and physical assault in the line of duty. This cannot continue unchecked.”
He urged President William Ruto to come out firmly and “stump his authority” as the Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, warning that continued unrest could result in widespread violence, economic ruin, and irreparable damage to Kenya’s international image.
“The President swore to protect the Constitution at all costs,” Ngetich emphasized. “This is a defining moment for leadership – to restore sanity in our streets and shield the men and women in uniform from being unfairly vilified.”
Ngetich lamented the lack of public support for police officers, noting that while there is national outcry over isolated cases of police misconduct, little attention is given when officers themselves fall victim to attacks and emotional trauma while protecting citizens.
“Who will speak for the police officer who is stoned, insulted, or wrongfully accused while defending the very people who turn against him?” he posed. “Just as every Kenyan has a right to justice, so do our officers.”
The activist warned that the culture of incitement, especially among youth mobilized to face off against security personnel under the guise of protesting, was dangerous and unsustainable.
He called on the President, the Executive, and Parliament to urgently deliberate on the growing wave of lawlessness, hooliganism, and wanton destruction of public and private property, stressing that democracy must not come at the expense of peace and the rule of law.
“If the current trend continues, the very rights and freedoms we cherish will be lost to mob justice, disorder, and chaos,” Ngetich said. “We must reinstate the spirit of partnership between citizens and the police, as enshrined in the 2010 Constitution.”
In particular, Ngetich called for an end to the politicization and tribalization of security agencies, insisting that Kenya’s institutions must be allowed to function independently, professionally, and with respect.
“The President must also send a clear message – the same energy used in addressing extrajudicial killings must be matched in tackling looting, destruction of property, and attacks on law enforcement.”
He concluded his statement with a plea for calm and a return to constitutional order, underscoring that while protests are allowed, they must be peaceful, lawful, and respectful of other citizens’ rights and the work of security agencies.
“It is time we restore the dignity of our security officers and put the country back on the path of peace and coexistence,” Ngetich said. “Kenya must not be lost to lawlessness.”
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