President William Ruto has reiterated that he stands by his controversial July directive for police to shoot violent protesters in the leg, telling Al Jazeera he has “no regrets” and stressing that Kenyan law allows officers to use force when lives are at risk. In the November 9 interview he defended the independence of the police and said the decision was intended to stop criminals who turn protests into looting and destruction, not to silence peaceful demonstrators.
Jocomms Correspondent reports that Ruto’s remarks have re-ignited fierce debate across political and civil society circles, coming months after he first issued the order on July 9 as unrest gripped several cities. Government supporters say the guidance was meant to protect property and bystanders, while critics and rights groups have condemned it as encouragement of excessive force and a dangerous escalation by the executive. Reuters and other outlets note the order followed deadly clashes during earlier demonstrations and has been widely reported and criticised.
Opposition figures and human-rights organisations have demanded accountability, with some calling for Ruto to retract the comments or face censure as investigations into protest-related deaths continue. The president insists the police must balance protecting lawful protest with confronting criminality, but the question now is whether that balance can be struck without further eroding public trust in state institutions. Will Kenya find a way to protect both order and rights as tensions simmer? Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
