By Kamadi Amata

President William Ruto has instructed police officers to shoot protesters in the leg if they are caught looting businesses or vandalizing property during demonstrations.

Speaking on Wednesday during the commissioning of a police housing project in Nairobi’s Kilimani area, Ruto emphasized that officers should not use lethal force, but should “shoot and break the legs” of violent demonstrators to stop further destruction.

“Anyone who burns down someone else’s business and property — let them be shot in the leg and taken to hospital on their way to court. Let them not be killed, but shoot and break their legs. Destroying people’s property is not right,” said the President.

Ruto also issued a stern warning to unnamed political leaders he accused of inciting violence and financing youth-led destruction during protests.

“It is leaders financing youth to carry out those acts, and we are coming after you,” he warned.

He further declared that attacks on police officers and police stations, such as those witnessed during the June 25 anti-Finance Bill protests, would now be treated as acts of terrorism.

“Those who attack our police or security installations — including police stations — are declaring war. That is terrorism, and we are going to deal with you firmly. We cannot have a country run by terror and governed by violence. That will not happen under my watch,” he said.

Rising Public Discontent

Kenya has seen a surge in nationwide protests in recent weeks, fueled by public anger over the high cost of living and government policies. The demonstrations, led primarily by youth, have been met with a heavy police crackdown — leading to deaths, injuries, arrests, and alleged abductions.

Human rights organizations and critics have condemned the state’s response as excessive, accusing police of brutality and the use of live bullets on unarmed protesters.

In parallel, concerns have been raised over the alleged deployment of armed groups, or “goons”, reportedly tasked with attacking peaceful demonstrators and looting property under police watch.

From the latest demonstrations held on Monday, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) recorded at least 31 deaths and 107 injuries. Acts of vandalism and looting were also reported in multiple towns across at least 15 counties.

During the June 25 protests — widely regarded as one of the most intense demonstrations — Amnesty International Kenya reported that over 16 people were killed, mostly by police. Protesters also targeted government infrastructure, including at least nine police stations, five of which were torched, as well as courts, county offices, and government vehicles.

Controversial Remarks from Government Leaders

Ruto’s remarks follow a similarly controversial directive from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, who told police officers to shoot anyone attempting to invade police stations.

“Anyone who gets near a police station, shoot them. Why should someone who wants to steal firearms be spared? Firearms are not doughnuts!” he said in reference to the June 25 chaos.

The comments from both leaders have sparked fierce public debate and concern from rights watchdogs, who warn that such rhetoric may further escalate tensions and undermine lawful protest.