Activists Demand Ruto to Crack Down on Rogue KDF, Anti-Terror Cops

The Police Reforms Working Group-Kenya (PRWG-K) on Wednesday, October 18, Challenged President William Ruto to go after rogue officers in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU).

In a press release, PRWG-K argued that Ruto's admission on the DCI's Special Service Unit (SSU) engagement in extra-judicial killings implied the existence of more similar units in other disciplined forces.

The aggregation of lobbyist groups claimed that the troops not only engaged in extrajudicial killings (EJEs) but also took part in enforced disappearances (EDs).

KDF officers perform a drill in a past training exercise

KDF

"It is important for the President to extend this action across all security and policing agencies including the Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, the KDF and the ATPU," the statement read in part.

In addition, the activists demanded that the findings of an investigation on SSU officers submitted to him by the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) be made public.

The group sought to have members of the now-disbanded unit held accountable by the National Police Service Commission(NPSC) and charged in court for the atrocities they committed.

"It is vital that NPSC fulfills its role in exercising disciplinary control over police officers. Members of the SSU must be prosecuted for their individual and command roles in extortion, abductions, kidnappings and torture," PRWG declared.

The activists also requested that Ruto make a public apology to the families of all victims who lost their lives through the extra-judicial killings.

Furthermore, they called for the state to develop a compensation program for the survivors and ensure the implementation of laws that prohibit such acts.

On October 16, Ruto hinted at a link between SSU and several bodies pulled out of the infamous River Yala.

During his vetting by the National Assembly Appointments Committee, Defence Cabinet Secretary nominee, Kithure Kindiki condemned the rise in extra-judicial killings.

However, he maintained that if approved by Parliament, he will deal ruthlessly with serious criminals including the bandits who have caused mayhem in Nothern Kenya.