Ruto has light-hearted moment with police chiefs during tea

Yesterday, top police commanders met with President William Ruto at the State House to discuss their challenges and the state of security in the nation.

After the meeting, Ruto invited them to meet for a cup of tea. On Wednesday, the regional police commanders were treated to a light moment.

"Mimi nimeshukuru sana jameni. Na msiondoke kabla hamjakunywa chai... chai ile ya kikombe (I'm very grateful. Please don't leave before taking tea... but I mean a cup of tea)," he said.

The officers reacted to the comment with a roar of laughter and some even clapping.

The President joined in before adding, "Nimeambia hawa wagwana wasiondoke bila chai nikaona wako na question mark... ni ile chai ya kikombe."

This is loosely translated to: "I've told them gentlemen to not leave before taking tea and I noticed their questioning demeanor..It's a cup of tea."

He was giving Japhet Koome, the inspector general of police, instructions on how to clarify things. In Kenyan streets, the word "chai," which means tea, is frequently seen as a bribe. The President urged the officers to perform their duties impartially during the meeting. He advised them to adopt a non-partisan stance in their line of work and pledged to equip them with cutting-edge machinery to help the nation combat insecurity.

"We want the police to be professional, independent and accountable while protecting Kenyans," he said.