Kenyan President William Ruto has authorized law enforcement to shoot individuals in the legs if they are caught vandalizing businesses or private property during demonstrations — an order aimed at subduing protesters without causing fatalities.
The directive comes amid growing national tension over anti-government protests, which have recently turned deadly. According to Kenya’s national human rights commission, at least 31 people were killed and over 100 injured during demonstrations on Monday, while more than 500 people were arrested. Police have officially acknowledged 11 deaths.
“If anyone is found destroying businesses or property, they should be shot in the leg, taken to the hospital, and later prosecuted. Don’t kill them — just make sure they’re unable to cause further damage,” Ruto said.
The president also warned political opponents against allegedly using protests as a tool to destabilize his administration or force him out of power through unconstitutional means.
The United Nations and several rights organizations have condemned the excessive use of force by Kenyan police, criticizing the use of live ammunition and calling for accountability. A 12-year-old child was among those reportedly killed by a stray bullet in Kiambu, near Nairobi.
Despite the public outcry, Ruto defended the police, stating that attacks on security personnel represent a threat to national security.
“No one will govern Kenya through intimidation or violence. As long as I’m in office, I’ll ensure law and order prevail,” he added, stressing that leadership change can only happen through elections — not street protests.
The recent unrest was partly triggered by the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, reigniting protests a year after demonstrators stormed parliament in opposition to tax hikes. Discontent has been building over economic challenges, especially youth unemployment and the rising cost of living.
Ruto acknowledged these challenges but said they predated his presidency, which began in 2022. He claimed that his administration is the first to confront these issues directly.
“These problems didn’t start with my government. The real question is — why are we seeing this level of destruction now?” he asked, warning against turning national frustrations into tribal politics.
The July 8 protests were initially meant to commemorate Kenya’s struggle for democracy but escalated into violent confrontations across 17 of the country’s 47 counties. Many protestors chanted slogans like “Ruto must go” and “One term,” signaling their opposition to the president’s continued leadership.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights denounced both the deadly police response and the destruction of property, urging all parties to respect human rights and calling for thorough investigations. Reports also surfaced that two hospitals were attacked, medical equipment was stolen, and staff members were harassed.
Opposition leaders have accused the government of deploying armed individuals in unmarked vehicles to incite chaos in opposition strongholds. In response, they’ve called for a boycott of businesses linked to the administration and demanded justice for those killed or arrested.
“This administration has declared war on its own citizens. We will not be silenced. We will not back down,” the opposition said in a joint statement.
Kenya’s Chief Justice, Martha Koome, warned that ongoing violence threatens the country’s democratic foundations and called for restraint from all sides.
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