Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has strongly criticized President William Ruto over his recent directive to police officers to shoot violent protesters in the leg. In a public statement released on Friday, July 11, Raila denounced the remarks, describing them as dangerous, unconstitutional, and a threat to civil liberties.
Raila emphasized that any directive encouraging police officers to shoot, injure, or intimidate civilians—regardless of the situation—is unacceptable. He firmly maintained that Kenya must remain a country governed by the rule of law, not fear or violence.
“Whether in protests or any situation requiring law enforcement, instructions such as ‘shoot to kill,’ ‘maim,’ ‘shock,’ or ‘disorient’ the public are fundamentally wrong,” Raila said.
He urged the government to respect due process and human rights, warning that granting officers unchecked power to use deadly force could result in widespread abuse.
“Even if citizens are suspected of breaking the law, the right response must always follow the law. Police officers should not be given dangerous powers that bypass courts and ignore human rights,” he added.
Ruto’s Remarks Spark Controversy
Raila’s response comes just days after President Ruto, during a speech at the Kilimani Police Station on Wednesday, July 9, directed police to shoot looters and protesters who storm businesses or police stations.
“Anyone who dares to invade a business or attack a police station should be shot in the leg. After that, they can seek legal redress in court,” Ruto stated.
Clearly frustrated, the President accused unnamed individuals of sponsoring unrest across the country and threatened to take strong action against what he termed as “unconstitutional attempts” to destabilize the government.
“I’ve been silent, but enough is enough. Those trying to topple the government through chaos and violence must now face the consequences,” Ruto declared.
Raila Urges for Justice, Not Brutality
Raila, who is part of the broad-based dialogue with Ruto’s administration, warned that violence from the state only escalates tensions. He advised that individuals accused of violent acts during protests should be arrested and presented before courts, rather than being gunned down by police.
“We protect the dignity of all citizens and ensure justice when we follow due legal process. Everyone remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law,” Raila reminded.
He also expressed concern over the growing trend of militarizing the police force, saying this shift threatens democracy and public trust.
“Kenya must resist turning its police into a military-like force. Across Africa, we’ve seen that such strategies only worsen instability and violence,” Raila warned.
Human Rights Concerns Mount
The former PM’s remarks follow a wave of public concern about police brutality and excessive use of force during ongoing anti-government protests. The demonstrations, largely led by Gen Z and young Kenyans, have been fueled by rising frustration over government policies, corruption, and economic hardship.
A recent report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed that at least 31 people died during the Saba Saba Day protests on July 7, with many others injured or missing. The protests have since intensified, calling for accountability, reforms, and justice.
As the national tension deepens, Raila’s statement serves as a powerful appeal for restraint, lawful action, and protection of citizens’ rights, even in the face of civil unrest.
“This is not just about government authority — it’s about our commitment to humanity, to justice, and to the Constitution that binds us all,” he concluded.
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