ODM Party leader Raila Odinga has faulted the shoot to kill directive by President William Ruto. Photo: ODM Party X.
Orange Democratic Movement Party (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has blasted president William Ruto and Belgut MP Nelson Koech shoot to kill directive to protesters by police during protests.
In a statement by Odinga on Friday, he termed the directive from the head of state as a wrong and illegitimate directive towards the citizens in protests that require law enforcement.
The former Prime Minister encouraged adherence to the rule of law, and further cautioned against giving police officers powers he termed deadly over citizens, but follow due procedures as guided by the Rule of law.
“In a protest or any other environment that requires law enforcement, all the above orders to shoot to kill, maim, disorient or shock citizens are wrong. As a country, we must at all times opt for the Rule of law and due process and reject the temptation to give police illegitimate and deadly powers over citizens even when the citizens are perceived to have broken the law, ” Odinga stated.
According to him, the country is at a better position when the Constitution is followed, including declaration of innocence until proven guilty. He emphasized earlier calls made to police to arrest protesters and present them in the Court of law, instead of killing them.
Odinga argued that upholding the rule of law gives credibility to the government, and not maiming or brutally handling of suspects.
“We are all better served as a country 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 arraignment in courts over killing, maiming or brutalizing suspects. this preserves the dignity and respects the human rights of suspects while at the same time confers credibility to the actions of the state,” he stated.
Odinga further warned against taking the country into a military approach to policing, stating such directives increase the risk of violence as witnessed in a number of nations across the continent.
“A militarized approach to policing endangers both the suspect and law enforcement officers,” He added.
Earlier, President William Ruto directed the police to shoot violent protesters on the leg but not kill me, in order to account for their actions, sentiments further backed by Koech who said the police can shoot to kill as accorded by National Police Service Act.
