President Ruto Stands Firm on Shoot-to-Leg Directive Amid Widespread Backlash, Prioritizes Citizen Protection

Nairobi, Kenya - President William Ruto has staunchly defended his controversial shoot-to-leg order issued earlier this year, framing it as a necessary measure to safeguard public safety during a period of escalating unrest. Speaking in a candid interview with international media on Sunday, Ruto dismissed accusations of overreach, insisting that the directive was never a formal command but a clear signal to deter criminals exploiting protests for violence.

The order, first articulated by Ruto on July 9, 2025, during a public address in Kilimani, came in the wake of intense demonstrations that rocked the country in June. Those protests, initially driven by public discontent with the administration, quickly spiraled into chaos as arson, looting, and attacks on police stations marred the otherwise legitimate expressions of grievance. Ruto described the events as a tangled mix of sincere voices and opportunistic lawbreakers, noting, "There were many aspects to that protest. Some people were there to express their opinions genuinely, but there were also criminal elements who came to burn down buildings, destroy property, and steal from all manner of places."

In his original statement, Ruto laid out a zero-tolerance approach to such acts, declaring, "Anyone who picks up petrol to burn someone else's business or any other person's property, such a person should be shot in the leg, taken to hospital, and then presented in court. And I want to tell Kenyans clearly, anyone who attacks a police officer, anyone who invades a police station, that is a declaration of war in the Republic of Kenya. I do not know if we are understanding each other, my friend. Enough is enough. It cannot go on any longer." He underscored the government's duty to shield citizens, adding, "I will protect the properties of the citizens of Kenya, their lives, and their businesses. It is the responsibility of the Government of Kenya, which I lead, to make sure that this war of destroying property and burning people's businesses comes to an end. It must stop. I do not know if we are understanding each other."

The remarks ignited immediate and fierce backlash from civil society, human rights advocates, and opposition figures, who decried the policy as disproportionate, potentially lethal, and a threat to the right to peaceful assembly. Local media outlets amplified the outcry, painting the government's response to the protests as heavy-handed and dismissive of dissent. Reports highlighted instances of alleged police brutality, including the tragic death of teacher and activist Albert Ojwang while in custody, fueling demands for accountability and reform.

Undeterred, Ruto reiterated his position in the interview, expressing no remorse for his words. "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," he said. He emphasized the need to strike a balance between protesters' freedoms and the imperative to protect bystanders, clarifying that his comments were an informal expression of resolve rather than a binding instruction.

A central pillar of Ruto's defense was the autonomy of the National Police Service. He repeatedly stressed that the force operates free from executive interference, a reform he championed upon taking office. "The police are independent, and there is nowhere in the law where I have the power to direct the police," Ruto asserted. "When I came into office, I ensured that the police were independent. There is nowhere in the law that allows me to order the police." Officers, he explained, make decisions based on real-time assessments of threats, guided solely by legal protocols that permit graduated force in life-endangering scenarios.

Addressing the broader criticisms from the press, Ruto acknowledged the sector's role in democracy while pushing back against what he views as unbalanced coverage. "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. Despite the friction, he affirmed his commitment to upholding press freedoms, even amid pointed scrutiny of his administration's protest management.

On the sensitive issue of police misconduct, Ruto did not shy away from the allegations. He conceded that lapses occur in any large organization, stating, "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." Regarding Ojwang's case, Ruto confirmed swift action, noting that those responsible have been charged, as part of a larger push for discipline and transparency within the force.

The interview extended beyond domestic turbulence, touching on regional flashpoints that underscore Ruto's diplomatic footprint. On the recently wrapped Tanzanian elections, marred by controversy over the incumbent's landslide 96 percent victory, Ruto treaded carefully. "It is not for me to judge Tanzania. In a democracy, for example, Kenya, you can never get 96 per cent. Every country has a way of doing its stuff," he observed, stopping short of outright condemnation.

Ruto also categorically rejected accusations from Sudan's Allied Forces that Kenya had funneled arms to the rival Rapid Support Forces amid the country's civil war. Dismissing the claims, he portrayed both warring factions as equally flawed. "These two generals have no solution for Sudan because both believe in solving a governance, not security, problem using military means," he said, labeling the protagonists as "cut from the same cloth."

Closer to home, Ruto highlighted encouraging developments in peace efforts for the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite persistent clashes involving President Felix Tshisekedi's government, M23 rebels, and figures like former President Joseph Kabila, he reported tangible progress in negotiations. "There is progress in the peace talks," Ruto shared, signaling cautious optimism for de-escalation.

As Kenya navigates the aftermath of the June unrest, Ruto's unyielding stance on the shoot-to-leg order reflects a broader philosophy: firm law enforcement as the bedrock of stability. Critics argue it risks alienating a frustrated populace and eroding trust in institutions, while supporters see it as a pragmatic bulwark against anarchy. With public discourse still simmering, the coming months will test whether this approach fosters healing or deepens divides. For now, Ruto remains resolute, prioritizing the security of lives and livelihoods above all.