President Ruto admits police abuses during crackdown on Kenya protests

President William Ruto, in his New Year’s address on Tuesday, admitted to instances of police abuses during Kenya’s recent protests, sparking fresh scrutiny of the nation’s security forces.

The demonstrations, fuelled by public outrage over alleged kidnappings, have led to accusations of illegal detentions and excessive force.

“It cannot be denied that there have been instances of excessive and extrajudicial actions by members of the security services,” Ruto acknowledged, though he did not elaborate on specific actions.

CABS World News reports that the admission comes after months of youth-led anti-government protests in June and July, during which security forces were accused of carrying out illegal detentions.

The situation escalated on Monday when police detained dozens of peaceful protesters and used tear gas to disperse small rallies demanding the release of those who had disappeared.

While Ruto emphasized the importance of public safety, stating, “Every freedom has its limits, and public safety and order must always supersede the desire for unchecked liberty,” his remarks have drawn criticism from human rights groups.

The latest wave of disappearances has predominantly targeted young individuals critical of Ruto’s administration, including two who posted an AI-generated image of the president in a coffin.

“These are clear signals that our moral fabric is at risk of decay, exacerbated by various factors, including the manipulation of digital technology, particularly social media, to amplify anti-social behavior and erode moral values,” Ruto said in his address.

Human rights activists interpreted Ruto’s earlier promise to “stop the abductions” as an implicit admission of state involvement.

On Monday, a Nairobi court ordered police to “immediately and unconditionally” release five abducted men or provide explanations under oath about their whereabouts. Judge Bahati Mwamuye also summoned the police inspector general, though the official sent a representative instead.

A tearful father at the hearing pleaded for answers, asking, “Where is my son?”

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported seven cases of abduction in December alone, with six individuals still missing. Since June, 29 of 82 reported disappearances remain unresolved.

Human Rights Watch and other organizations have raised concerns about an alleged unit comprising multiple security agencies believed to be involved in the disappearances. Despite police denials, critics question their lack of investigative effort into the cases.

Ruto’s acknowledgment of abuses marks a significant moment, but activists continue to demand transparency and accountability to address the deepening crisis.