Monday, November 10,
2025 - President William Ruto has stood by his controversial directive
instructing police to shoot violent protesters in the leg, insisting that the
order was lawful and necessary to protect lives and property.
In an interview with Al Jazeera on Sunday, November 9th,
Ruto dismissed criticism of his remarks, saying he had no regrets.
“I don’t regret those comments at all, because the law
allows the police to use force when other people’s lives are in danger,” he
said.
“The police know what they need to do… and understand that
it is within their purview.”
Ruto emphasized that under his leadership, the police
operate independently and are empowered to act within legal boundaries.
He acknowledged the right to peaceful protest but warned
that recent demonstrations had been infiltrated by criminals intent on looting
and destruction.
“There are people who genuinely are there to express their
opinions… but there are also criminal elements.
“People who come to burn down buildings, destroy properties,
steal from supermarkets,” he said.
“The public itself went up in arms because they said, ‘these
are not protests, this is looting, this is criminality.’”
The remarks refer to Ruto’s July 9th directive,
where he urged police to shoot anyone found looting businesses in the leg.
“Someone who goes to burn another person’s business… should
be shot in the leg, taken to the hospital, and then taken to court,” he said.
Ruto clarified that the goal is not to kill but to
incapacitate and prosecute offenders.
“They should not be killed… but criminals who destroy
livelihoods should be dealt with,” he added.
His remarks sparked public outrage after police shot dead
several protesters during nationwide demonstrations.
Critics accused the Government of endorsing excessive force,
while human rights groups demanded accountability.
In response, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen
defended the police, stating that officers acted within the law.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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