William Ruto Orders Fifth Crackdown on Kenyan Criminal Gangs

President William Ruto issued his fifth directive to Kenyan security forces to expedite the crackdown on criminal groups and political hooliganism. Ruto stated that a national consensus among religious, business, and political leaders had been reached to stop lawlessness, warning that peaceful demonstrations must not serve as cover for looting, arson, and the destruction of property.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua dismissed the president's orders as theatrics. Gachagua alleged that the security apparatus is being used for political purposes and claimed that rogue police officers work with gangs to terrorize citizens. He specifically accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo of transforming the Interior Ministry into a center for goonism.

Gachagua cited the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election as evidence of this failure, claiming thousands of deployed officers did not stop armed men from assaulting civilians and intimidating voters. Despite the president's repeated commands, reports indicate that security agencies have not adhered to the directives, leading to questions regarding Ruto's control over the security apparatus.