Macharia Njeru, the first Chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), has revealed that he received direct threats from William Ruto during his time as Deputy President. The threats reportedly came after Njeru resisted attempts to undermine the independence of the police watchdog.
In a statement posted on X on July 31, 2026, Njeru recounted an early morning call from Ruto warning of political consequences if IPOA did not comply with executive demands. “He called me early one morning, threatening that if IPOA didn't comply, he and Uhuru would treat us as they did the opposition,” Njeru said, adding that he stood firm and told Ruto to proceed.
Njeru, a Senior Advocate of the High Court and former Vice Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission, led IPOA from 2012 to 2018. During his tenure, the agency pushed for police accountability and often clashed with government officials over police recruitment and extrajudicial actions.
He questioned why current leaders in constitutional commissions and state institutions hesitate to resist political interference. “I don't understand why people in institutions fear a single man just because he's President, but he's not God,” Njeru wrote, invoking the Latin phrase memento mori to remind officials of their mortality and duty.
This disclosure follows similar concerns raised earlier by former National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u. Speaking in Sweden, Ndung’u criticized President Ruto for overrunning public institutions and pressuring civil servants to conform out of fear of reprisal.
Prof. Ndung’u emphasized the importance of individual and institutional courage to resist such pressure, noting his own refusal to engage in questionable deals during his tenure. “It follows you to your grave; it doesn't go away with the regime,” he said.
As of now, State House has not responded to the allegations made by Macharia Njeru.
