President Ruto has ordered the police to shoot protesters in the Legs.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that President William Ruto of Kenya has sparked outrage after directing security forces to shoot protesters in the legs to incapacitate them, accusing them of terrorism and attempts to destabilize the nation.
Ruto made the controversial remarks in Nairobi on Wednesday, just two days after 31 protesters were killed during nationwide anti-government demonstrations. He said security agents should avoid killing protesters but should ensure they are unable to continue their actions.
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“They shouldn’t kill them. But they should shoot their legs so they break, and they can go to hospital on their way to court,” the president said.
In his strongest comments yet since the protests began, Ruto accused demonstrators of waging war on the state and blamed political opponents for fueling the unrest. He warned that the government would deal decisively with anyone attacking police officers or government facilities.
“Those who attack our police, our security men and women, or installations like police stations, that is a declaration of war. That is terrorism,” Ruto declared. “We are going to deal with you firmly. We cannot have a nation governed by violence and terror.”
The latest wave of protests, which took place on Monday to commemorate Saba Saba (7/7) — a historic day marking Kenya’s 1990 pro-democracy movement — left 31 people dead and 107 injured, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. The recent deaths bring the total number of fatalities to 51 in the past two months of unrest.
The protests are driven by widespread frustration over economic hardship, corruption, and ongoing police brutality.
International bodies have expressed concern, including UNICEF, which condemned the killing of a 12-year-old girl struck by a stray bullet while at home in Kiambu County, near Nairobi. The agency also criticized the arrest of children during the demonstrations.
“Children must be protected from harm at all times and under all circumstances,” UNICEF stated.
Ruto’s remarks have sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups, opposition leaders, and citizens who fear a growing crackdown on civil liberties in Kenya.
