President William Ruto was scheduled to preside over the pass-out parade at the Kenya Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru on Monday but did not attend, with his deputy Kithure Kindiki stepping in to grace the 27^th edition of the ceremony.

Sources familiar with the plans said preparations had been finalised for the President to lead the ceremony, which had been diarised by his handlers more than a month in advance.

As early as 8am, traffic and General Service Unit officers who are normally deployed along routes used by the President had taken up positions in readiness for the presidential motorcade.

From the State House gates to the Kenya Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru, officers were stationed along the route in anticipation of the President’s journey.

Kenya’s State broadcaster KBC had also run advertisements over the previous week informing the public that the President would attend the ceremony, in line with tradition.

However, on Monday morning, indications emerged that the President would not make the trip.

At about 8.30am, Gate A at State House, Nairobi, which had been opened in readiness for the presidential motorcade, was closed, signalling that the President would not leave the compound as earlier planned.

Traffic officers deployed along the State House-Thika Road-Ruiru route were later directed to leave their positions at around 10am.

At the Kenya Prisons headquarters in Ruiru, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen arrived at about 9.30am to find senior prison officials already assembled for the ceremony, according to photographs released by his press team.

It was not until around 1.30pm that DP Kindiki arrived at the college, confirming that he would represent the President at the ceremony.

Prof Kindiki read a statement on behalf of President Ruto.

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the pass-out parade of 36 Kenya Prisons Service cadet officers at the Prisons Staff Training College (PSTC) in Ruiru.

Photo credit: Pool

In his address, the Deputy President urged the Kenya Prisons Service to accelerate the adoption of modern technologies to keep pace with the demands of correctional services in an increasingly sophisticated world.

“Following Phase I and II of the salary review, entry-level remuneration for a prison constable rose by more than 36 per cent, while the maximum point on the salary scale increased by approximately 24 per cent. Phase III took effect on 1 July 2026, further demonstrating our commitment to the welfare and motivation of our correctional officers,” he said.

“Radicalisation, organised crime, cybercrime and trafficking demand new knowledge, new capabilities and new tools. A correctional service that does not modernise cannot keep pace with the threats it exists to contain,” Prof Kindiki said.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki presides over the pass-out parade of Kenya Prisons Service cadets and the commissioning of the Wanini Kireri Magereza Hospital at the Prisons Staff Training College (PSTC), Ruiru.

Photo credit: Pool

CC Murkomen said security-sector reforms would be accelerated to improve service delivery to the public.

“As a ministry, we will continue to strengthen training, modernise our infrastructure, improve inter-agency cooperation and the welfare of our officers,” he said.

A total of 36 cadet officers from various professions, including medicine, graduated after completing 13 months of rigorous training in different parts of the country.

The ceremony also saw the commissioning of the 150-bed Wanini Kireri Magereza Hospital, offering comprehensive outpatient and inpatient services.

A total of 41 vehicles were also commissioned for use by the Kenya Prisons Service.

“We are reforming the Kenya Prisons Service into a modern correctional institution anchored on secure custody, rehabilitation, technology, skills development and successful reintegration, in tune with the changing security environment,” Mr Murkomen said.

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kamaina@ke.nationmedia.com