In a fiery, no-holds-barred statement that felt more like a mic drop than a presidential address, President William Ruto has finally broken his silence on the controversial and tragic death of Albert Ojwang, and boy, did he have some choice words for Kenya’s finest or should we say, not so finest?
The Head of State did not mince his words as he tore into rogue elements within the National Police Service (NPS), pointing fingers at what he called “a culture of impunity, arrogance, and unnecessary show of might” that may have contributed to Ojwang’s untimely death. Ruto’s message to the boys and girls in blue? “Enough is enough. You’re not in a 1990s action movie. “Calm down!”
Ruto, clearly channelling his inner frustrated Kenyan, said it’s high time the police stopped playing “Rambo” in our streets and started doing actual police work like protecting, serving, and maybe learning how to not accidentally turn traffic stops into funeral plans.
Albert Ojwang’s tragic end sparked an outpouring of grief and rage across the country. Kenyans online didn’t hold back either. Twitter (or X, if you’re one of those people) has been on fire, with hashtags like #JusticeForOjwang and #StopPoliceBrutality topping the trends faster than a TikTok dance challenge.
The president’s remarks came during a high-level security forum, but let’s be honest, they sounded more like a scene from a courtroom drama where the judge finally slams the gavel and yells, “Objection sustained! You’re out of line, officer!”
Ruto also directed the National Police Service Commission and the Inspector General to crack the whip, not just symbolically but really, and flush out bad apples in the force. “Police reforms aren’t a suggestion anymore. They’re a must,” he said, metaphorically rolling up his sleeves (though we all know he wears short-sleeved shirts to begin with).
As Kenyans continue mourning Albert Ojwang, Ruto’s fiery comments have rekindled the debate on police brutality, misuse of power, and why some officers seem to think they’re auditioning for a Netflix crime thriller.
“This isn’t Gotham. We don’t need Batman-cop hybrids. We need real accountability,” one Facebook user posted, garnering thousands of likes and hundreds of hot emojis.
Let’s hope this time, real change follows the rhetoric. Because truth be told, Kenyans are tired of candlelight vigils for lives that should never have been lost. And maybe, just maybe, the next headline won’t be about another young life taken by those who swore to protect it.
What are your thoughts on President Ruto’s remarks?
Drop a candle emoji 🕯️ for Albert Ojwang in the comments.
Tag a friend who’s been harassed by a cop “just for walking while Kenyan”.
