Karua: Asking that unarmed people be shot is a criminal offence
PLP party leader Martha Karua has added her voice to the wave of criticism aimed at President William Ruto over his recent directive to police officers to “shoot on the leg” when dealing with protestors.
Speaking during her US tour alongside former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Saturday, July 12, Karua dismissed the directive as dangerous and unlawful. She noted that a gunshot to any part of the body, including the leg, can still be fatal and should not be normalised.
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“A gunshot on any part of the body can actually finish you depending on where, so asking that unarmed people be shot is a criminal offence,” Karua stated.
Karua further termed the president’s instruction a criminal offence, warning that it violates the Constitution and undermines human rights. She told Kenyans in the diaspora that the spirit of the 2010 Constitution, which was meant to protect citizens from state brutality, is now being eroded under Ruto’s regime.
“Moi era, we didn’t have the 2010 constitution; now we have a constitution which is so explicit, which has all but been suspended.” She added.
Ruto’s orders
This comes after Ruto issued a stern warning to individuals engaging in violent demonstrations, particularly those targeting police officers and stations, declaring such actions acts of war against the Republic of Kenya.
Speaking from Kilimani on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, the head of state said that any individual who attacks a police station or assaults law enforcement officers will face severe consequences under the full force of the law.
“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.”
Several leaders have come out to condemn this directive by Ruto.
