By Gilbert Mmbaya
Senate Majority Leader and Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot has defended President William Ruto from accusations of being involved in the arrest of Kenyan software developer and online activist Rose Njeri, stating that the responsibility lies squarely with the Inspector General of Police.
In an interview with NTV on Monday, Cheruiyot clarified that the National Police Service operates independently of the executive, and decisions to arrest individuals fall under the purview of the country’s security apparatus, not the presidency.
“The National Police Service operates on its own accord and is independent of the Executive arm of government,” said Cheruiyot.
Citing Article 249 of the Kenyan Constitution, Cheruiyot emphasized that the Inspector General (IG) exercises independent command over the police service. He warned against the public assumption that all arms of government act under a single command.
“There is a mistake being made by people imagining that there is one central figure in command of the entire government,” he added.
The senator also condemned the arrest of Rose Njeri, calling it “unfortunate” and questioned the manner in which the situation was handled. Njeri was detained by police on Friday afternoon after developing and launching civilEmail, an online platform designed to help Kenyans express concerns over the 2025 Finance Bill.
“The person we need to seek out and ask for accountability is the Inspector General, because he is tasked with keeping the country safe,” Cheruiyot said when asked about how public dissent and online activism are being handled.
Efforts by Njeri’s legal team to secure her release have so far been unsuccessful. Concerns have been raised over possible violations of her rights, including denial of access to legal counsel and visits by family.
Cheruiyot urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate whether Njeri's constitutional rights have been upheld during her detention.
“IPOA must be pushed to confirm whether Rose Njeri’s rights to an attorney and family visitation are being respected — and why any of those rights may have been denied,” he said.
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