Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has strongly criticized President William Ruto’s controversial directive instructing police officers to shoot looters in the legs during protests, warning that such orders undermine Kenya’s Constitution and human rights.
In a statement released on Friday, the ODM leader condemned the growing trend of state-sanctioned brutality, noting that these actions contradict the foundational legal principle that every person is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
RAILA: “SHOOTING PROTESTERS VIOLATES THE RULE OF LAW”
“As a country, we must at all times opt for the Rule of Law and due process,” Raila stated, adding that arming police with illegitimate and deadly powers poses a serious threat to citizen rights—even when individuals are accused of breaking the law.
“We are all better served when we stick to the principle that everyone is innocent until proven guilty; a determination that can only be made by a competent court of law. Let’s prioritize arrests and lawful prosecution over killings and maiming.”
A CALL TO AVOID A MILITARIZED STATE
Raila also cautioned the Ruto administration against pushing Kenya toward a militarized model of policing, noting that such approaches have only led to instability in other African countries.
“A militarized approach endangers both suspects and law enforcement. Around the continent, it only increases violence and deepens the trust gap between citizens and the state,” he said.
RUTO’S SHOOTING ORDER TRIGGERS UPROAR
The backlash follows President Ruto’s remarks on Wednesday, where he urged police to shoot looters in the leg during demonstrations rather than kill them outright.
“Anyone who burns down another person’s property, let them be shot in the leg and taken to the hospital on their way to court. Don’t kill, but break their legs,” said Ruto.
The President’s comments came days after Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen stirred public outrage by instructing officers to shoot anyone who approached a police station.
“Anyone near a police station, shoot them. Why spare someone trying to steal firearms? Firearms are not doughnuts!” Murkomen remarked.
CALLS FOR SHOOT-TO-KILL SPARK ALARM
Even more alarming was a statement by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, who chairs the National Assembly Defence Committee, advocating for an outright shoot-to-kill policy against protesters.
“I want to thank President Ruto for saying ‘shoot but do not kill.’ I say, in fact, shoot and kill. You can’t let someone come after your life and not shoot to kill,” Koech declared.
RAILA DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY AND DIGNITY
In response, Raila emphasized that such rhetoric from top leaders is not only reckless but also unconstitutional. He urged the government to restore trust in public institutions by respecting human rights, upholding the law, and handling suspects with dignity.
“Let’s reject violence disguised as law enforcement. Preserving the dignity and rights of suspects also enhances the credibility of the state,” he concluded.
