Wilson Sossion: Don’t expect Ruto to respond with poetry amid anarchy
By Steve Ireri, July 10, 2025Former KNUT Secretary General Wilson Sossion has staunchly defended President William Ruto’s controversial directive issued on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, which authorised police officers to shoot rioters in the legs as a measure to curb violent destruction during protests.
Speaking during an interview at a local TV station on Thursday, July 10, 2025, Sossion emphasised that the fundamental question to ask is what has caused President Ruto’s anger, highlighting that the President cannot be expected to recite poetry about the anarchy.
He insisted firmly that the president will not stand by idly while Kenya descends into disorder and lawlessness.
“The question you should ask is: What is making Ruto angry? You cannot expect President Ruto to clap for chaos, admire the destruction of property, or recite poetry over anarchy. That is not going to happen; he will not stand by and watch as Kenya slides into anarchy.”
Constitution
Sossion described the unrest in the country, particularly concerning Article 37 of the Constitution, as not merely acts of violence but as incidents that the Terrorism Prevention Act classifies as terrorism.
He explained that under Article 131 of the Constitution, the President is constitutionally mandated to ensure that law and order are maintained by any means necessary.
This legal obligation, according to Sossion, justifies the firm stance taken by the president.
“What is happening in Kenya with respect to Article 37 is nothing short of violence, and not just violence. The Terrorism Prevention Act classifies some of these actions as terrorism. The President is mandated under Article 131 of the Constitution to ensure that law and order is upheld in the country, by whichever means.”
He criticised commentators and detractors who have sought to dismiss President Ruto’s directive as unconstitutional or an abuse of power, stressing that such views undermine the seriousness of the presidential position.
“The president’s statement yesterday is not just something you can rubbish in a talk show the way some are trying to do. That is a presidential position, and do not say that it is unconstitutional,” Sossion stated.
Furthermore, Sossion cautioned the public against expecting the president to remain passive as the country slides towards anarchy, noting that President Ruto’s tone reflects genuine concern and clarity about the situation Kenya faces.
“Do not expect him to sit and watch the country slide into anarchy. There is nothing wrong with the tone of the president. That is how he is feeling, and he is very clear.”
Ruto’s directive
Speaking from Kilimani on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, Ruto issued a stern and uncompromising 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.
Ruto condemned those who have taken advantage of recent protests to destroy businesses, harm police officers, and threaten the country’s stability.
He 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.
“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.
The president vowed to fulfill 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.
President Ruto declared that his administration would utilise every lawful mechanism available to restore order and maintain stability across the country.
“We are going to use whatever means is available to make sure that we stabilise the country. We cannot accept mayhem and anarchy to destroy the development we have in this country,” he stated.