‘Shooting on the legs’ – Kenyan leader orders police to curb violent protests

Kenyan President William Ruto ordered police to shoot protesters targeting leg businesses to ensure they can’t do anything but won’t be killed.

The United Nations and human rights groups accused police of using too much force during the recent wave of anti-government protests on Monday – 31 people were killed, according to state-run agencies.

“Anyone who has a burned another person’s business or property should be shot in the leg, hospitalized and taken to court. Don’t kill them, but make sure their legs are broken.”

He further warned his political rivals not to sponsor and use violent protests and “illegal” means to forcibly remove him from power.

Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNCHR) said more than 100 people were injured, and about 532 people were arrested during the protests.

Kenyan police said 11 people died.

The killings deeply plagued Kenyan police use of “deadly ammunition” against protesters, the United Nations said.

But in Wednesday’s speech, Ruto defended police operations, saying the attack on security forces would be a “war declaration” against the country.

“Kenya cannot and will not rule over threats, terror or chaos. Not under my watch,” the president said.

He said that it is possible to change the government only through votes rather than through protests, urging opponents to wait for the 2027 election.

“This country will not be destroyed by a few impatient people and want to use unconstitutional means to change the government. This will not happen,” Ruto added.

Tensions in the country have increased since the death of blogger Albert Ojwang last month, bringing people back to the streets, and a year later, young protesters rushed into the parliament that was irritated by the tax wave.

In a country where youth unemployment and quality of work remain a major concern, economic challenges are growing.

Ruto acknowledged the country’s youth unemployment crisis, but said job challenges already existed before they came to power in 2022. He said his government was the first to take a deliberate solution to the problem.

The 58-year-old leader questioned why some Kenyans are more important and confronting to their governments than previous ones.

“Why did all the chaos cause in my time? Ruto used rhetoric to warn national politics.

“You can call me any name you want to call me, but I will make sure there is peace and stability in Kenya.”

According to local media reports, the protests on Monday were intended to commemorate Kenya’s decades-long democratic struggle, but they quickly escalated into deadly conflict in 17 of the country’s 47 counties.

Many people who manifest as “Ruto must go” and “Wantam”, meaning “a term”, are a popular rally call asking President Ruto to leave the office.

KNCHR said in a statement issued late Tuesday that the sharp rise in deaths was “disturbing”.

It added: “Nokel strongly condemns all human rights violations and urges all responsible parties to accountability, including police, civilians and all other stakeholders.”

The Commission also documented extensive looting and destruction of public and private property by unidentified individuals.

A 12-year-old student was killed at Kiambu’s home in the outskirts of the capital, and was hit by a wandering bullet at Kiambu’s home, local media reported.

“The latest incidents were reportedly only two weeks after the killing of more than 15 protesters injured in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya on June 25,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Ravina Sharmdasani.

“Use deadly ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons,” Sharmdasani added.

At least two hospitals were damaged after unidentified attackers raided facilities and stole medical equipment and harassed staff, Reuters reported.

Religious and rights groups demand a swift and independent investigation into killings, property destruction and arbitrary arrests.

Opposition leaders accused the government of deploying unmarked police cars to transport armed gangs to protests to sense opposition strongholds.

They called for a national boycott of all businesses under President Ruto’s government, accusing his administration of deploying state-funded violence and extrajudicial killings against Kenyans.

“This regime is hostile. It cannot be understood. It must be resisted. We will not rest. We will not retreat. We will not surrender.” The opposition said in a joint statement.

Kenya’s chief justice Martha Koome warned the country about the growing violence protests, saying they risked the country’s democratic structure.

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