Ruto Breaks Silence on Controversial Police Uniform Tender Amid Public Uproar

President William Ruto has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding the new police uniform tender, saying every decision and shilling spent under the ongoing police reform programme must withstand public scrutiny.

Speaking during the Administration Police Service recruits’ passing-out parade at Embakasi on September 4, 2026, Ruto said the new uniforms for General Duty officers form part of a broader programme aimed at transforming the National Police Service.

“The new uniforms for general duty officers that we unveiled last week must be understood within this broader reform program. It is not a standalone intervention but part of the comprehensive transformation of the National Police Service arising from the reform process,” he said

Ruto said the government developed the uniforms through consultations with police officers and the Kenyan public, while considering professional identity, operational suitability and the dignity of police officers.

Ruto Welcomes Scrutiny of Police Uniform Tender

However, the President stressed that a uniform alone cannot transform policing. Instead, he said professional identity and pride can help build a modern, disciplined and effective police service.

Moreover, Ruto said the government must account for every decision and every shilling spent because the wider reform programme serves the public and relies on public resources.

“We welcome scrutiny of every decision and every shilling spent. Accountability is a constitutional obligation and must rest on facts, evidence and the truth. We must demand answers without prejudice, question decisions without condemning people unheard and expose wrongdoing wherever it exists,” he said

Also Read: NPS Issues Clarification on New Police Uniform Procurement

At the same time, Ruto said scrutiny strengthens institutions, safeguards public resources and serves the public interest.

“Bonus scrutiny strengthens institutions, safeguards public resources and serves the greater public interest. Fellow citizens, ultimately the true measure of police reform will not be found in speeches, policies, equipment, technology or uniforms. It will be found in the experience of the citizenry of the Republic of Kenya,” he stated.

Police Conduct to Define Reforms

Meanwhile, Ruto said Kenyans would ultimately judge police reforms by their experiences with officers rather than the uniforms, equipment or technology introduced under the programme.

He added that the reforms would succeed if officers responded when called, applied the law fairly, rejected bribes, protected vulnerable people and respected human dignity.

“It will be measured by whether an officer responds when called, applies the law without fear or favour, refuses a bribe, protects the vulnerable, respects human dignity and treats every Kenyan equally before the law. To our graduating officers, that is now your responsibility. Let communities know you’re not merely by the uniform you wear but by the confidence your conduct inspires,” he added

Also Read: Fresh Details Emerge on New Police Uniform as Questions Arise Over Tender Award

Ruto Urges Officers to Build Public Trust

Additionally, Ruto urged the graduating officers to protect vulnerable Kenyans, reassure law-abiding citizens and deliver firm and lawful justice to those who threaten others.

He also warned the new officers that their courage and integrity would face difficult tests, including moments when no commander was watching and no commendation was promised.

Ultimately, Ruto said the conduct of individual officers would determine whether Kenyans gain confidence in the police reform programme.

His remarks come as scrutiny over the controversial police uniform tender continues, with the President insisting that accountability, facts, evidence and the truth must guide the examination of every decision made and every shilling spent under the reform programme.

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Kipchumba Murkomen receives President William Ruto at the National Police College, Embakasi during the Administration Police Service recruits’ passing-out parade on September 4, 2026. PHOTO/Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen/Facebook