Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki issued a stern directive on Monday, March 18, signaling a crackdown on individuals disrupting political rallies, with the promise of legal consequences.

The directive came in response to two incidents over the weekend where hecklers caused disturbances during President William Ruto's rallies in Bomet and Kericho counties. Reports indicated that these hecklers were hired individuals tasked with expressing dissatisfaction with local leaders.

During a consultative forum with the Kericho County Security and Intelligence Committee, Kindiki condemned the disruptions, deeming them intolerable. He expressed suspicion of malicious intent behind the heckling, suggesting the involvement of high-ranking individuals in facilitating these disruptions.

Kindiki directed Kericho County Commissioner Gabriel Kitiyo and his team to take decisive action against those responsible for orchestrating the disturbances. He mandated the security team to conduct thorough investigations and apprehend the organizers, financiers, and perpetrators of the hooliganism, irrespective of their political affiliations or social status.

President William Ruto had earlier issued a warning to Bomet residents, asserting his intolerance for such chaos during his meetings. He emphasized that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) stood for orderliness and denounced the disruptive trend.

Ruto encouraged dissatisfied residents to exercise patience until the next elections in 2027, urging them to express their grievances through the ballot box.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua expressed regret over the heckling incidents in Rift Valley, acknowledging the embarrassment caused to President Ruto during his presidential working tour. He emphasized the need to halt such disruptions, which overshadowed the positive aspects of the tour.