Ruto’s new security units raise questions ahead of 2027 polls

By Newsflash Reporter

President William Ruto’s move to establish new police units barely a year to the General Election has sparked debate, with critics questioning whether the initiative is necessary or merely a duplication of existing security structures.

In recent months, President Ruto has overseen the creation of an anti-narcotics police unit and the National Government Administration Police Unit (NGAPU), a move that has effectively restored the influence of chiefs within the security architecture.

Plans are also underway for the establishment of a digital intelligence unit aimed at policing abuse within the online space, though its operational details remain unclear.

Concerns over duplication of roles

Analysts and policy experts argue that Kenya already has sufficient laws and institutions to address alcohol, drug abuse, and emerging digital crimes. They warn that introducing additional units without clearly defined mandates risks overlapping responsibilities and inefficiency.

During his New Year’s address, President Ruto announced the strengthening of the anti-narcotics unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), saying it would be upgraded to match the operational capacity of the anti-terrorism police.

The unit is expected to combat the widespread alcohol and drug abuse problem, which the President said affects an estimated five million Kenyans.

Ruto stated that the unit would operate as a permanent multi-agency formation working alongside the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada), the National Intelligence Service, border agencies, county governments, and international partners.

To enhance its effectiveness, the unit’s personnel will be expanded from 200 to 700 officers through fresh recruitment and redeployment, with officers trained to target high-level traffickers, financiers, and organized criminal networks.

Digital surveillance plans emerge

A presidential report tabled in Parliament reveals that the government is also at an advanced stage of creating a new unit tasked with monitoring online activity. The proposed digital intelligence unit would be supported by rapid response mechanisms and a legal framework designed to regulate digital policing.

According to the annual State of National Security report covering September 2024 to August 2025, the move aims to strengthen law enforcement’s ability to curb the increasing misuse of social media platforms.

Earlier in January last year, the government introduced NGAPU to bolster grassroots security and ensure chiefs have direct access to police support, further expanding the security apparatus.

Security analysts describe the developments as a calculated political strategy by the Kenya Kwanza administration, arguing that the timing of the new units points to efforts to mobilize and possibly intimidate voters ahead of the 2027 elections.

They question why the President was announcing the creation of an anti-narcotics unit when the DCI already houses such a formation, adding that the authority to create police units lies with the Inspector General of Police, not the Presidency.

Political motivations questioned

They further accused the Head of State of interfering with independent institutions, urging instead for the strengthening of existing security agencies rather than forming new ones.

Political analyst Kiprotich Mutai echoed similar concerns, terming the formation of new police units a political decision that could also be influenced by international interests.

He suggested that the initiatives could be linked to United States interests in monitoring fraud and organized crime, particularly following recent investigations by the FBI in Minnesota that reportedly uncovered Kenyan connections.

Former Nacada chairperson John Mututho maintained that political goodwill to enforce existing regulations would be more effective than creating new police units, warning that duplication could only deepen corruption within existing loopholes.