The government will take decisive action against leaders who use young people as goons to cause chaos, destroy property and endanger lives, President William Ruto has announced.
The President directed Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja to ensure that all those involved in acts of hooliganism and incitement are identified and brought to justice.
He reiterated that Kenya is a country guided by the rule of law, and the government will not allow lawlessness to compromise national security.
“We cannot allow those using youth as goons to cause chaos and death to continue doing so. I have instructed the Inspector-General of Police that these individuals should face severe legal action to end hooliganism and stop activities that threaten the security of our country,” he pointed out.
He made the remarks during the graduation of chiefs and assistant chiefs at the National Police College Embakasi ‘A’ Campus in Nairobi County on Monday December 1, 2025.
The President said Kenya’s economic progress depends on security, stability and accountable leadership.
He noted that the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda rests on the understanding that development cannot take place without a safe and orderly environment.
“A secure and orderly environment is the first foundation for investment, growth and shared prosperity,” he said.
As a result, President Ruto asked chiefs and assistant chiefs to help identify cattle rustlers, bandits and goons harming and endangering the lives of Kenyans.
The President said it was not possible for criminals to operate freely when government officers are present in every part of the country, noting that chiefs and their assistants are the government’s frontline officers.
He further said the government will take a whole-of-government approach to tackle drug abuse, alcoholism and illicit alcohol in the country.
He explained that the government will deal with those engaging in gender violence, saying Kenya must be a society that is sensitive to everyone.
“Women are our mothers, sisters, wives and daughters, and we must protect them,” President Ruto pointed out.
On the training of nearly 6,000 chiefs and assistant chiefs, who serve as the nation’s frontline officers at the grassroots, the President said the government is professionalising the public sector to improve service delivery.
He said the government is keen on strengthening their operations and ensuring orderly implementation of government projects.
He directed that public officers, including chiefs and assistant chiefs, undergo training within six months of employment, saying it would be useful in helping them execute their duties effectively.
The President said chiefs and assistant chiefs will be expected to educate the public on extensive government programmes, citing education, affordable housing and healthcare, among others.
The goal, he explained, is to ensure households are informed so they can fully benefit from and participate in government programmes.
