RUTO ORDERS POLICE TO SHOOT PROTESTERS WHO ATTACK STATIONS

President William Ruto has issued a tough directive authorizing police officers to shoot individuals who storm police stations or interfere with business premises during protests, marking one of his strongest responses yet to the ongoing wave of anti-government demonstrations.
Speaking during a visit to Kilimani Police Station in Nairobi on Wednesday 9 July 2025, Ruto warned that attacks on security officers or public infrastructure would henceforth be treated as acts of terrorism and a declaration of war.
“We cannot have a nation that is run by terror and violence. Anyone who attacks police stations, police officers or destroys property must be treated as a terrorist,” said the President.
He directed police to use proportional but firm force against lawbreakers, adding that officers should shoot such individuals “in the leg” if necessary to neutralize threats while avoiding fatalities.
“Let them shoot them in the leg — not to kill, but to stop the destruction,” Ruto said, reinforcing his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on chaos.
The President’s remarks come amid sustained protests led largely by youth, some of which have turned violent in recent days, resulting in looting, arson, and reported fatalities. Protesters have been demanding reforms, transparency, and reversal of unpopular policies.
Ruto also pledged to crack down on individuals and groups allegedly financing or inciting the unrest, stating that the government would use all legal means to maintain law and order ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We will not allow people to destabilize the country. We must protect Kenya’s economy and institutions,” he said.
The move has sparked mixed reactions across the country, with critics arguing that it risks escalating violence and silencing legitimate dissent, while supporters say it is necessary to restore calm and protect businesses.