Interior CS Fred Matiang’i has sent strict instructions to police following the violent chaos that marred the visit of deputy president William Ruto in Busia.
Ruto was in Busia on Saturday October 23rd to drum up support for his 2022 presidential bid when his convoy was stoned.
The violence saw rowdy youth light bonfires, block the road at Korinda junction while chanting ODM and Raila slogans – Busia is a stronghold of the former Prime Minister.
At least eight people have so far been arrested in connection to the violence in Busia, police are still looking for more suspects tied chaos.
According to a statement released on Sunday, Those who will be found culpable of having caused or instigated the chaos that marred Ruto’s Busia rally will be punished.
Speaking during the launch of Trinity TV and Radio stations in Ol-Kalou, Interior CS Fred Matiang’i instructed police to act quickly in apprehending and prosecuting all offenders.
We in the security sector have adopted a zero tolerance approach to those who would threaten our democratic values, starting with the perpetrators and organizers who disrupted H.E the DP @WilliamsRuto tour in Busia. Political leaders and aspirants have a right to move freely… pic.twitter.com/qkl1eH8cj1
— Dr. Fred Matiang’i (@FredMatiangi) October 24, 2021
The CS stated that the government will retaliate harshly against any instigators of political violence, and that the Busia incident will serve as a warning to others contemplating similar acts.
Matiang’i added that all politicians are free to visit any part of Kenya to popularize themselves and their parties subject to them upholding the law.
“Everyone has a right and an opportunity granted by the Constitution to move around and propagate their philosophies. Together with my colleagues in the security sector, we will do everything humanly possible to remain objective, firm, and we will implement the law very strictly.”
We have already arrested Five individuals in relation to the incident in Busia… pic.twitter.com/6VwQ4Xb82Z
— Dr. Fred Matiang’i (@FredMatiangi) October 24, 2021
Matiang’i further instructed police to ensure that Ruto’s events are accorded adequate security to ensure such disruptions do not occur again.
Ruto’s security bubble comprises of elite presidential Escort Unit (PEU), a division under the Kenya Police Service, which is tasked with providing protection to the president, the DP and their families.
Ruto is also protected by regular police wherever he goes. Cumulatively, the strength of personnel allocated to the DP is 257 officers.
Related: Angry Ruto Lectures Indiscipline Bodyguards After A Scuffle In Mombasa
