Friday, July 11, 2025 - ODM leader, Raila Odinga, has strongly criticized President William Ruto’s recent directive to police officers to shoot violent protesters in the leg, calling it a dangerous misuse of state power.
In a statement released on Friday, July 11th,
Raila expressed concern over any form of directive that encourages police to
shoot to kill, maim, disorient or shock citizens.
He stressed that such orders violate constitutional
principles and undermine the rule of law.
“In a protest or any other environment requiring law
enforcement, such orders are wrong.
“We must reject the temptation to grant police deadly powers
over citizens,” Raila said.
Ruto, on Wednesday, July 9th, had directed police
to shoot in the leg anyone storming businesses or police stations, adding that
such individuals could later “go to court.”
The President made the remarks while launching a police
housing project at Kilimani Police Station, blaming unnamed individuals for
sponsoring recent violent demonstrations.
“Enough is enough,” Ruto stated, warning against attempts to
destabilize the Government.
However, Raila, who is part of the broad-based Government,
urged the administration to handle protesters through lawful arrests and court
proceedings.
“Everyone is innocent until proven guilty by a competent
court,” he added.
Raila also condemned the increasing militarization of
policing, warning that it breeds more violence.
“Across Africa, this approach has failed and only escalates
conflict,” he noted.
His remarks come amid heightened national tension following
youth-led protests against Government policies.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 31 people have died in recent demonstrations, intensifying scrutiny on police conduct.
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