President William Ruto has instructed police officers to shoot looters and vandals in the leg—rather than using lethal force during violent protests, sparking renewed public debate over the government’s handling of ongoing demonstrations.
Speaking on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, while commissioning a police housing project in Kilimani, Nairobi, Ruto made the remarks as protests against his administration’s policies, especially the Finance Bill 2024, continue to intensify.
“Anyone who burns down someone else’s business and property, let them be shot in the leg and go to the hospital as they head to court,” Ruto said. “Yes, let them not kill, but shoot and break the legs. Destroying people’s property is not right.”
The President also accused unnamed political leaders of funding and inciting the youth to commit acts of violence during demonstrations.
“It is leaders financing youth to carry out those acts, and we are coming after you,” he warned.
Ruto declared that attacks on police officers and security installations, such as those witnessed during the June 25 anti-Finance Bill protests, would be treated as acts of terrorism.
“Those who attack our police, security installations, including police stations, are declaring war. It is terrorism, and we are going to deal with you firmly,” he said. “We cannot have a nation run by terror and governed by violence—it will not happen under my watch.”
The remarks come amid rising national tension and increased youth-led protests across at least 15 counties, driven by growing public anger over the cost of living, police brutality, and alleged abductions of protesters.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, the most recent protests on Monday resulted in 31 deaths and 107 injuries. Rights group Amnesty International Kenya reported that at least 16 people were killed during the June 25 protests, most of them shot by police.
The protests also saw the burning of five police stations, the destruction of courts, county offices, and vehicles, and widespread looting of businesses—raising further concerns over the government’s response.
Ruto’s remarks follow similar statements made by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who earlier told police:
“Anyone who gets near a police station, shoot them. Why should someone who wants to steal firearms be spared? Firearms are not doughnuts!”
Critics, however, continue to condemn the government’s heavy-handed tactics and the use of live ammunition against unarmed protesters, warning that such language from top officials may further inflame tensions.
Civil society groups and opposition leaders are calling for dialogue and reform, urging the government to listen to public demands rather than resorting to force.
