Don’t kill them, shoot them in the leg, President Ruto orders police
This is after the surging in numbers of killings among Gen Z protesters who were shot by police officers.
President William Ruto. Photo/Nairobi Leo.
By Gilbert Mmbaya
President William Ruto has boldly ordered police office to confront protesters by shooting them in the leg instead of killing them.
This is after the surging in numbers of killings among Gen Z protesters who were shot by police officers.
Protests across Kenya have increased in recent months over growing public discontent against Ruto’s regime over the rising cost of living and a spate of crackdowns on government critics and street protests, many of which have resulted in deaths, injuries, and abductions.
Critics condemn police for brutality and the use of live ammunition on unarmed protesters during the youth-led demos.
At the same time, there have been concerns over the deployment of ‘goons’ – youth groups armed with batons and whips to attack protesters and loot businesses.
From the most recent demos on Monday, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said it recorded 31 deaths and 107 injuries.
Cases of vandalism to business premises were also recorded in several towns across at least 15 counties.
The June 25 protests left over 16 people killed, most by police, per the rights group Amnesty International Kenya.
In addition to businesses, youthful groups also attacked at least nine police stations, torching at least five, as well as courts and county government offices and vehicles.
Ruto’s Wednesday directive follows similar controversial statements by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen following the June 25 protest violence, in which he told police to shoot anyone who gets near a police station.
The CS told the police: “Anyone who gets near a police station, shoot them. Why should someone who wants to steal firearms be spared? Firearms are not doughnuts!”
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