Ruto: I don’t regret ordering police to shoot protesters in the leg
By Aloys Michael, November 9, 2025President William Ruto has justified his directive authorising police to disable protesters targeting government buildings, arguing the move was aimed at preventing chaos and protecting national assets.
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In an interview with an international TV station published on Sunday, November 9, 2025, Ruto brushed off claims that his administration is using the police to suppress dissent, insisting that the security agencies are acting within the law.
“I do not regret those comments at all because the law allows the police to use force when other people’s lives are in danger. The police know what they need to do and understand what is in their purview,” the Head of State stated.
Ruto maintained that his orders were meant to ensure that police protect both the rights of protesters and the property and lives of innocent citizens.
Police are independent
Moreover, the president clarified that the National Police Service (NPS) operates independently, insisting that his earlier comments were not directives but an expression of his stance on maintaining public safety.
“The police are independent, and there is nowhere in the law where I have the power to direct the police,” he stated.
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In response to these remarks, several Kenyan media outlets published reports heavily criticising the government, portraying it as heavy-handed and intolerant, especially in light of the police’s forceful response to demonstrators.
However, Ruto insisted that the press is free to express opinions, even those he disagrees with.
“The media are independent, and they write whatever they think they can write. They say all manner of things which I do not agree with, but they have a right to say them,” he remarked.
When asked about recent accusations of police misconduct, including the death of teacher and activist Albert Ojawang, Ruto emphasised his administration’s commitment to enforcing discipline and ensuring accountability within the police force
“We have thousands of police officers, and you cannot miss a rogue one. That is why we have laws to deal with such elements. We will continue to make sure that the majority of the police know what to do,” explained.
The shoot leg order
On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, speaking in Kilimani, Ruto warned individuals engaging in violent demonstrations, particularly those targeting police officers and stations, declaring such actions acts of war against the Republic of Kenya.
He 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,n 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.”
The president vowed to fulfil his constitutional responsibility to protect the lives, property, and livelihoods of all Kenyans.
He said the government he leads will no longer tolerate acts of arson, destruction, and lawlessness under the guise of protest, reiterating that such criminality undermines the very development the country has worked hard to achieve.
“I will protect the properties of the citizens of Kenya, their lives, and their businesses. It is the responsibility of the Government of Kenya, which I lead, to make sure that this war of destroying property and burning people’s businesses comes to an end. It must stop. I do not know if we are understanding each other,” he said.