President William Ruto has instructed police officers to shoot in the leg anyone found looting or destroying property during demonstrations. Speaking on Wednesday in Nairobi’s Kilimani area while commissioning a new police housing project, Ruto said force should be used selectively to prevent loss of life, but also to stop destruction.
What Did Ruto Say About Handling Violent Protesters?
“Anyone who burns down someone else’s business and property, let them be shot in the leg and go to the hospital as they head to court. Yes, let them not kill, but shoot and break the legs. Destroying people’s property is not right,” said the president.
Ruto also aimed at unnamed political figures whom he accused of sponsoring and inciting youth to engage in violence during the protests. “It is leaders financing youth to carry out those acts, and we are coming after you!” he warned.
How Is the Government Responding to Attacks on Police?
The president said that violent attacks on police officers and stations will be treated as terrorism, referencing incidents from the June 25 anti-Finance Bill protests. “Those who attack our police, security installations, including police stations, are declaring war. It is terrorism, and we are going to deal with you firmly. We cannot have a nation run by terror and governed by violence; it will not happen under my watch,” Ruto stated.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen echoed this stance earlier, saying: “Anyone who gets near a police station, shoot them. Why should someone who wants to steal firearms be spared? Firearms are not doughnuts!”
What Is the Human Rights Situation After Recent Protests?
The protests, fueled by growing dissatisfaction with the high cost of living and government crackdowns, have resulted in numerous injuries and deaths. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights recorded 31 deaths and 107 injuries from the latest protests. Amnesty International Kenya also reported at least 16 people killed during the June 25 protests, most of them by police gunfire.
At least nine police stations were attacked during the unrest, with five torched. Protesters also damaged courts, county government offices, and vehicles. In addition, incidents of business vandalism and looting were recorded in more than 15 counties, raising serious concerns about law enforcement and state accountability.
By Lucky Anyanje