Kisumu Senator Ojienda defends Ruto’s directive on protesters
By Arnold Ngure, July 10, 2025Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda has defended President William Ruto’s directive to shoot protesters who engage in unlawful activities in the leg.
Speaking during a live TV interview on Thursday, July 10, 2025, Ojienda remarked that Ruto’s directive was targeted at people whose intention was to loot and destroy property rather than peacefully protest.
“The president has an obligation to call our forces and the public back to order because we need civility,” Ojienda said.
Threatening lives of police
“The president simply said that if you get into a position where you are threatening the lives of those who are supposed to keep law and order, then you will be met with equal force,” he added.
“Ruto is saying that we must deal with protesters who do not intend to protest but come to destroy property. The president’s message was targeted at looters and goons.”
Ruto, while speaking in Kilimani on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, directed police officers to fire their guns at people taking advantage of protests to destroy property and loot.
The head of state equally warned that any individual who attacks a police station or assaults law enforcement officers will face severe consequences under the full force of the law.
Shoot in the leg
“Anyone who picks up petrol to burn someone else’s business or any other person’s property—such a person should be shot in the leg, taken to hospital, and then presented in court,” he said.
“And I want to tell Kenyans clearly—anyone who attacks a police officer, anyone who invades a police station—that is a declaration of war in the Republic of Kenya. I do not know if we are understanding each other, my friend. Enough is enough. It cannot go on any longer,” he added.
Speaking at the public function, Ruto vowed to fulfill his constitutional responsibility to protect the lives, property, and livelihoods of all Kenyans.
The remarks have since generated intense public scrutiny, with a section of politicians observing that the president is unhinged and calling for the reckless use of firearms on innocent protesters.