Raila Breaks Silence Over the ‘Shoot to Maim’ Order by Ruto
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has strongly criticised President William Ruto over his recent directive allowing police to shoot violent protesters in the leg.
In a statement released on Friday, July 11, Raila said it is wrong for any government to give police orders to shoot to kill, injure, confuse, or scare citizens. He insisted that Kenya should always follow the rule of law and avoid using excessive force against its people.
“Whether during protests or any law enforcement situation, such orders are unacceptable,” Raila said.
Raila, who is part of the unity government with Ruto, stressed that Kenya must respect due process and avoid empowering the police with unlawful and deadly authority — even if some citizens are suspected of wrongdoing.
President Ruto had issued the controversial order on Wednesday, July 9, while speaking at the launch of the Police Housing Project at Kilimani Police Station in Nairobi. He told officers to shoot anyone who attacks businesses or police stations in the leg and then let the courts handle the rest.
“If someone storms a business or police post, shoot them in the leg. Let them go to court afterwards,” Ruto stated.
The President appeared visibly upset, blaming unnamed individuals for funding recent protests and causing unrest. He said the government would not allow anyone to threaten the country’s stability.
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“I’ve kept quiet for long, but enough is enough. Some people are trying to change the government through illegal means,” Ruto added.
Raila, however, challenged the President’s approach. He said that violent demonstrators should be arrested and charged in court, not shot. According to him, that would show respect for human rights and strengthen the rule of law.
“As a nation, we are safer when we follow the principle that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Only a competent court can make that judgment,” Raila noted.
He also condemned the growing militarisation of the police and called for an end to such aggressive tactics. “We must stay away from a military-style police force,” Raila warned, adding that similar approaches in other African countries have only led to more violence.
Ruto’s remarks came as public protests continue to gain momentum nationwide. The youth-led demonstrations are demanding greater government accountability and urgent reforms.
Human rights groups have raised concerns about police brutality. A new report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed that the death toll from the Saba Saba protests on July 7 has climbed to 31.
Raila’s comments have added to a growing national conversation about law enforcement, justice, and the importance of protecting human rights in times of political unrest.
Raila Breaks Silence Over the ‘Shoot to Maim’ Order by Ruto
