Kenya’s opposition leader, Raila Odinga, has strongly condemned President William Ruto’s directive instructing police to shoot protesters involved in vandalism. The order, revealed by SaharaReporters on Wednesday, reportedly advised law enforcement to aim for protesters’ legs to incapacitate them rather than use lethal force.
“If someone goes out to burn property, that person should be shot in the leg and taken to the hospital on the way to court,” Ruto said during a speech. “Don’t kill them, but break their legs.”
The president’s controversial remarks came just two days after at least 31 people were killed during widespread anti-government demonstrations, which have rocked the country amid growing public anger over economic hardship, alleged police brutality, and systemic corruption. Many of the demonstrators are young Kenyans frustrated by worsening living conditions and lack of accountability from the government.
The recent death of a political blogger while in police custody has further inflamed tensions, triggering another wave of protests that erupted into violent confrontations between demonstrators and heavily armed security forces in Nairobi and other major cities. Police used tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition to disperse the crowds and sealed off major roads.
In a statement issued on Friday titled “Shoot to Kill/Maim/Shock Orders to Police”, Odinga called Ruto’s comments a “dangerous and illegitimate” shift that undermines the rule of law and threatens the safety of both citizens and police officers.
“In a protest or any other environment that requires law enforcement, all these orders—whether to shoot to kill, maim, disorient or shock citizens—are wrong,” Odinga declared.
The former Prime Minister emphasized the need to uphold legal procedures and protect citizens’ rights, even in the face of public disorder.
“We must at all times uphold the rule of law and due process,” he said. “Giving police unchecked and deadly powers over citizens—regardless of the circumstances—sets a dangerous precedent.”
Odinga also underscored the principle of presumption of innocence, warning against bypassing the judicial process.
“We are all better served when we stick to the principle that everyone is innocent until proven guilty by a competent court,” he said.
Urging the government to abandon violent crackdowns, Odinga called for suspects to be arrested and brought before the courts rather than brutalised or killed.
“Let’s prioritise arrests and legal proceedings over maiming and executions. That approach preserves human dignity, protects rights, and gives legitimacy to state actions,” he noted.
He also warned that a militarised approach to policing would only deepen the crisis and escalate violence.
“We must reject the temptation to militarise the police. Across the continent, we’ve seen this approach backfire and lead to more bloodshed. It puts both citizens and officers in greater danger,” he said.
Ruto’s administration has faced increasing criticism over its response to the ongoing unrest, with human rights organisations and civil society groups accusing the government of using excessive force and violating constitutional freedoms.
Odinga’s remarks add to the growing chorus of voices demanding restraint, accountability, and the protection of civil liberties as Kenya navigates one of its most turbulent political moments in recent years.
