NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has issued a controversial directive to police officers, instructing them to shoot individuals caught looting businesses or vandalizing property during protests.
Speaking on Wednesday at the commissioning of a police housing project in Nairobi’s Kilimani area, the President emphasized that officers should not aim to kill but rather to “shoot and break the legs” of any violent demonstrator.
“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,” President Ruto stated.
He also issued a stern warning to unnamed political leaders, whom he accused of inciting youth to violence. “It is leaders financing youth to carry out those acts, and we are coming after you!” he declared.
The President further asserted that attacks on police officers and premises, such as police stations—like those witnessed during the June 25 protests commemorating the anti-2024 Finance Bill demonstrations—will be categorized as acts of terrorism.
“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 emphasized.
Recent months have seen a surge in protests across Kenya, driven by growing public discontent with President Ruto’s administration over the rising cost of living and a series of crackdowns on government critics and street demonstrations.
Many of these protests have resulted in fatalities, injuries, and abductions. Critics have consistently condemned the police for brutality and the use of live ammunition on unarmed protesters during the youth-led demonstrations.
Simultaneously, concerns have been raised regarding the deployment of “goons”—youth groups reportedly armed with batons and whips—who are accused of attacking protesters and looting businesses.
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Following the most recent demonstrations on Monday, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported 31 fatalities and 107 injuries. Cases of vandalism to business premises were also recorded across at least 15 counties.
The June 25 protests had previously resulted in over 16 deaths, with most attributed to police action, according to human rights group Amnesty International Kenya.
In addition to businesses, youth groups also reportedly attacked at least nine police stations, torching at least five, as well as damaging courts and county government offices and vehicles.
President Ruto’s directive on Wednesday echoes a similar controversial statement made by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen following the June 25 protest violence.
Murkomen had instructed police to shoot anyone approaching a police station, stating, “Anyone who gets near a police station, shoot them. Why should someone who wants to steal firearms be spared? Firearms are not doughnuts!”
