Raila Breaks Silence Over the ‘Shoot on the leg’ Order by Ruto

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has strongly criticized recent remarks by President William Ruto authorizing police officers to shoot individuals vandalizing property during protests.

In a statement released on Friday, July 11, Odinga described the directive as “a dangerous departure from the rule of law” and warned against granting law enforcement illegitimate and deadly powers over citizens during times of civil unrest.

The former Prime Minister urged the government to uphold due process and avoid bypassing constitutional protections even when dealing with suspected offenders.

“In a protest or any other environment that requires law enforcement, all the above orders—shoot to kill, maim, disorient, or shock citizens—are wrong,” Odinga asserted.

He emphasized the importance of preserving suspects’ rights and steering clear of extrajudicial measures, advising law enforcers to prioritize arrests and legal proceedings over use of deadly force.

“We are all better served as a country when we stick to the principle that everyone is innocent until proven guilty; a determination that can only be made by a competent court of law,” he added.

Odinga further warned that adopting a militarized approach to policing could escalate violence and put both suspects and officers at risk.

“A militarized approach to policing endangers both the suspect and the law enforcement officers,” he noted.

His remarks come amid growing national and international criticism over the government’s handling of recent youth-led protests in Kenya, with reports of abductions, injuries, and deaths linked to excessive police force.

President Ruto, while speaking in Kilimani on July 10 during the commissioning of affordable housing projects, directed police officers to shoot individuals destroying businesses in the leg, telling them to “break their legs” but avoid killing them.

The directive has since sparked uproar from human rights organizations and opposition leaders, who raised concerns over escalating police brutality. Meanwhile, several members of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) have expressed support for the president’s tough stance.

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