President Ruto Defends ‘Shoot-to-Leg’ Order

President William Ruto says he has no regrets over his disputed directive to police officers to “don’t kill them, shoot them in the leg,” during the recent anti-government protests, saying the law allows use of force against violent demonstrators.
Speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera, President Ruto defended the order he issued on July 9, 2025, following a violent demonstration that left at least 65 people dead.

He said that the protests had many aspects, including “genuine demonstrators” and “criminal elements” who engaged in looting and destruction of property.

Ruto further told Al Jazeera the statement was not an order to the police, insisting the Police force operates independently.

The president also dismissed allegations of government interference with media coverage of the protests, citing critical headlines such as “Rogue Ruto” in the Standard as evidence of a free press in Kenya.

Ruto also rejected claims from human rights group that more than 80 government critics and protesters disappeared in 2024 and 2025, saying that his government has ended extrajudicial killings.