I won't interfere with police work – Ruto on arrest of ex-MP Alfred Keter

• Ruto said he made a commitment when he assumed office to ensure the national police service works independently and he has continued to uphold it.
• While responding to reports of the arrest of former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter, the Head of State said police are justified to go and arrest anyone who upon summon fails to honour it.

President William Ruto has reaffirmed his position that he will not interfere with the security agencies in carrying out their duties.

Ruto said he made a commitment when he assumed office to ensure the national police service works independently and he has continued to uphold it.

"I made three commitments when I assumed office that I will ensure the police is independent and I did that on the first day, that there are no more extrajudicial killings in Kenya and that if there is any arrest, that does not amount to abduction...I have kept all those promises," he said.

While responding to reports of the arrest of former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter, the Head of State said police are justified to go and arrest anyone who upon summon fails to honour it.

He did not, however, confirm if the arrest summons had been issued in relation to the incident.

"If the police summons you, and you refuse to go, are they not entitled to come and look for you?" he posed.

"If they come, how does that amount to abduction?"Ruto was speaking during a media roundtable at State House, Nairobi on Sunday.

He instead referred journalists to the police who he said were better placed to shed light.

"Instead of us having a back-forth, the police have released a statement, can you check what they have released," he said.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).