Interior cabinet secretary Kithure Kindiki has urged the police and other law enforcement officers to arrest hecklers and anybody who behaves disorderly during political rallies in the country.

In a statement on Monday March 18, Kindiki emphasized on the need to apprehend organizers, Financiers of disorderly behaviour during political rallies, especially where President Ruto is present.

“The security team is also tasked to reign in on incidents of disorderly conduct in political meetings, conclude investigations and apprehend the organisers, financiers and perpetrators of hooliganism in the County, regardless of their political or social standing,” Kindiki noted. 

His statement emerged one day after several leaders were heckled during President Ruto’s rally in Bomet and Kericho Counties.

The CS made the remarks after chairing a consultative meeting with Kericho County Security and Intelligence Committee led by County Commissioner Gabriel Kitiyo.

However, Kindiki’s remarks were criticized by former Nairobi Town clerk Philip Kisia, who said the move will interfere with freedom of expression as guaranteed in Kenya’s constitution. 

“CS Kindiki Kithure should know better. Freedom of expression is guaranteed in our constitution. What does he define as heckling? 

“The love for President Ruto has faded. You can’t force love or acceptance. Get ready for legal challenges from over 50 million Kenyans,” Kisia posted on X.

At the same time, Kindiki maintained that manufacture, sale and consumption of illicit alcohol and narcotic drugs is an existential national security threat that the Government is determined to permanently eradicate.

“Security managers at all levels countrywide are directed to ensure strict compliance and enforcement of the 25-point policy and operational guidelines issued by the Government on March 6, 2024 and will be held individually liable for any failure in eradication of poisonous and toxic substances within their jurisdictions,” he noted. 

In addition, he directed security and law enforcement agencies to generate a County specific program to counter the drugs, substance and illicit alcohol menace and completely destroy the supply and demand chain. 

According to the Interior CS, the school transition rate for children in Nandi County was being hampered by drugs, substance and alcohol abuse. 

Meanwhile, Kindiki insisted that the three year transfer policy for law enforcement and security officers must be strictly adhered to and no officer in the line agencies is permitted to operate alcohol businesses even if legitimate.

He added that public officers colluding with drug peddlers or illicit brewers will be punished severely.