Kenyan President William Ruto has instructed police officers to shoot in the legs anyone found destroying property during anti-government protests, in a move that has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups and the UN.
“Do not kill them, but break their legs,” Ruto said, referring to individuals caught burning businesses or attacking police stations. His comments come amid a surge of nationwide protests that turned deadly earlier this week.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported 31 protest-related deaths and over 100 injuries on Monday, while police claimed 11 fatalities. More than 500 individuals have been arrested across 17 counties, including the capital Nairobi.
The protests, driven by rising discontent over the economy, youth unemployment, and alleged police abuses, were reignited by the recent death of a detained blogger, Albert Ojwang. Demonstrators chanted anti-government slogans such as “Ruto must go” and “one term.”
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the use of lethal force and live ammunition against demonstrators. A 12-year-old child was among those killed.
Despite international concern, President Ruto defended the police, calling violent attacks on officers “an act of war” and accused political opponents of attempting to remove him from office through unconstitutional means. He urged rivals to wait for the 2027 elections.
Government spokesperson Gabriel Muthuma acknowledged instances of excessive police force and noted that investigations were underway, but defended the president’s directive in the context of escalating violence against police stations and property.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, now in opposition after his impeachment, denied accusations of plotting to overthrow Ruto, stating that the opposition seeks change through the ballot box.
Religious leaders, rights groups, and opposition parties have called for an independent investigation into the killings, looting, and alleged deployment of armed gangs by the state during the unrest.
Kenya’s Chief Justice Martha Koome also warned that escalating violence risks undermining the country’s democratic foundations.