President William Ruto has warned political actors against sponsoring violence, intimidation and ethnic mobilisation as Kenya prepares for the next phase of its democratic process.
Ruto said there would be no room for politically sponsored violence in the country, urging the National Police Service to take firm and impartial action against individuals who finance, organise, incite or participate in political violence.
“Our democracy must never be hijacked by hired gangs, intimidation, ethnic mobilisation or violence,” the President said.
Ruto spoke on Friday while presiding over the passing-out parade of more than 6,000 police recruits at the National Police College Main Campus in Kiganjo, Nyeri County.
The President congratulated the recruits for completing their training and joining the National Police Service, describing policing as a noble responsibility of serving and protecting Kenyans.
“You have chosen a noble calling: to serve and protect our country, uphold law and order, and safeguard the constitutional rights and freedoms of every Kenyan,” he said.
The President also broke ground for the construction of a new Chief Physical Training Instructor Grounds at the college as part of efforts to modernise police training.
The project is being supported by the United States Government in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
It will include new facilities as well as the upgrading and refurbishment of existing infrastructure at the police training college.
Ruto said modern policing requires officers who are physically fit, professionally competent, technologically proficient and psychologically resilient.
He said the government would continue investing in training, equipment and resources for security personnel while improving their welfare and working conditions.
The President highlighted recent changes in police remuneration, saying the three-phase review of police salaries had been completed.
Under the review, the entry-level basic salary for a police constable has risen from Sh21,645 to Sh29,360 while salaries across other ranks have also been increased.
The government is also seeking to address the shortage of housing for police officers through the National Institutional Housing Programme.
According to Ruto, the programme comprises 47,464 housing units spread across 165 projects.
More than 2,000 units have already been completed while over 9,500 others are at various stages of construction.
The President said improved training, equipment, remuneration and housing would help strengthen the National Police Service and enable officers to effectively respond to the security needs of Kenyans.
He also called on the new officers to uphold professionalism and protect the rights and freedoms of all citizens as they begin their careers in the service.
