Kenyan Police Officer in ‘Ruto Must Go’ Video Loses Legal Fight to Keep His Job

By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter

Kenya, 22 December 2025 - A police officer who appeared in a viral video urging “Ruto must go” has lost a legal challenge to retain his job, the Nation Africa reports.

The officer, Joyfred Maina, was dismissed from the National Police Service after a video showing him during protests critical of President William Ruto circulated widely online.

The court upheld his dismissal, rejecting his bid to be reinstated to the Service.

Maina’s legal battle stemmed from his claim that being fired over the video was unfair, but the Employment and Labour Relations Court found that his conduct, widely viewed as gross indiscipline by authorities, justified disciplinary action by police leadership.

The Ruto Must Go movement itself originated in 2024 during nationwide youth‑led protests against the Kenya Finance Bill, with young people using social media and hashtags to mobilise resistance against proposed tax hikes and broader discontent with the government.

Kenyan social media remains a vibrant arena for public debate on policing and political expression. Youth-led hashtag movements on platforms like X, TikTok and WhatsApp have driven protest mobilisations and amplified criticism of the security services, particularly in high-profile incidents involving police conduct in 2025.

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Maina’s dismissal and failed court challenge highlight tensions between freedom of expression and enforcement of discipline within Kenya’s security services.

Critics of the ruling say it raises concerns about how dissent by public servants is handled, especially in a climate of frequent protests and increasing public scrutiny of police conduct.

Supporters of the decision argue that police officers are expected to remain neutral and uphold the law, not participate in political messaging.

The case comes amid broader questions about police accountability in Kenya. In June 2025, another officer, Constable James Mukhwana, appeared in court over the death of teacher Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody after being arrested over social media comments, a case that triggered public outrage and calls for reform of the security services.