Justina Wamae questions Ruto’s shoot order in wake of police independence
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 15, 2025Former Roots Party presidential running mate Justina Wamae has criticised President William Ruto’s recent stance on law enforcement directives, questioning whether his shoot-the-legs orders are constitutional and align with his order to grant the National Police Service (NPS) full autonomy.
Speaking during an interview on K24 TV’s morning show on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Wamae recalled the president’s first executive order upon assuming office, granting financial independence to the police service.
According to her, this move created the impression that Ruto would not interfere in police operations.
“He made us believe that he would never control the police force in terms of giving directions,” Wamae said.
She then took issue with recent remarks by top government officials and Ruto, expressing worry that the head of state was reneging on his promise.
“When CS Murkomen says ‘shoot them’, Belgut MP Nelson Koech says ‘shoot to kill’, and the president himself says ‘shoot their legs’, are such commands even in the Constitution?” she asked.
Wamae highlighted the case of Bridget Jerry, a girl shot at home despite not participating in protests.
“She wasn’t even demonstrating. How do such directives protect innocent citizens?” she posed.
Wamae warns against interference
Her sentiments come amid growing backlash against President Ruto’s July 9, 2025, statement where he directed police to shoot protesters who destroy property “in the leg, take them to hospital, then to court.”
The order, aimed at curbing unrest, has been defended by allies like CS Aden Duale, who framed it as a non-lethal immobilisation tactic. However, critics, including lawyer Miguna Miguna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, have condemned it as unconstitutional and dangerous.
Wamae warned that such politically influenced commands risk compromising the independence and professionalism of the police force.
“The police loyal to those who put them in power will carry out those illegal orders, knowing they’re protected by their godfathers,” she said.
She further raised concerns about the Inspector General’s statements on the movements of Deputy IGs, suggesting that high-level coercion may be at play.
“Those of us in positions of influence must let the police handle their operational and tactical matters. The role of Cabinet Secretaries should only be to offer strategic guidance as per cabinet policy, not to issue operational orders,” she urged.