President William Ruto has maintained that he does not regret instructing the police to shoot protesters targeting key government installations in the leg, defending the directive as necessary to uphold law and order.
Speaking to Al Jazeera in an interview published on Sunday, Ruto dismissed claims that his administration is using the police to suppress dissent, insisting that the security agencies are acting within the law.
“I do not regret those comments at all because the law allows the police to use force when other people’s lives are in danger. The police know what they need to do and understand what is in their purview,” Ruto stated.
The President maintained that his orders were meant to ensure that police protect both the rights of protesters and the property and lives of innocent citizens.
Additionally, Ruto clarified that the National Police Service (NPS) operates independently, insisting that his earlier comments were not directives but an expression of his stance on maintaining public safety. “The police are independent, and there is nowhere in the law where I have the power to direct the police,” he stated.
Following these sentiments, a section of the Kenyan media ran stories criticising Ruto’s government, labelling his administration as rogue, particularly over how the police handled protesters. However, Ruto maintained that the press is free to express opinions, even those he disagrees with.
“The media are independent, and they write whatever they think they can write. They say all manner of things which I do not agree with, but they have a right to say them,” he remarked.
Simultaneously, when asked about recent cases of police misconduct and reports of excessive force, such as the death of teacher and activist Albert Ojawang', Ruto reiterated his government's dedication to discipline and accountability within the police force.
“We have thousands of police officers, and you cannot miss a rogue one. That is why we have laws to deal with such elements. We will continue to make sure that the majority of the police know what to do,” he added.
Shoot Orders
In July this year, Ruto issued a stern warning to those participating in violent protests, urging the police to respond firmly to protect public property and institutions.
“Anyone deciding to storm a person’s business or a police station should be shot in the leg. Thereafter, they can go to court and see what follows next,” he said during the launch of the Police Housing Project at Kilimani Police Station in Nairobi.
At the time, his remarks sparked national debate, with human rights groups condemning them as an endorsement of excessive force, while supporters viewed them as a necessary step against anarchy.
