President William Ruto has given the police powers to shoot on protesters during protests in the country. Photo: PSC.
President William Ruto has broken his silence on the historical Saba Saba Day commemoration on Monday, July 7 with a deadly directive to police officers, to shoot and kill violent protesters during protests.
Speaking at Kilimani Nairobi as he commissioned new houses under affordable housing program,, the visibly angry Ruto said the government will not spare any person who was involved in attacking the officers and police stations, declaring that the government will take firm action against them.
He directed the officers not to kill the protesters, but shoot them on the leg to immobilize them to later face the law over their criminal acts.
“Anyone who burns down someone else’s business and property, let them be shot in the leg and go to the hospital as they head to court. Yes, let them not kill, but shoot and break the legs. Destroying people’s property is not right,” Ruto directed.
The angry president further stating that his opponents have taken his silence for granted, warning them against sponsoring violence and chaos that they will be arrested and jailed. He further stated that those involved in torching any police station or government offices will be treated as terrorists.
“It is leaders financing youth to carry out those acts, and we are coming after you! Those who attack our police, security installations, including police stations, are declaring war. It is terrorism, and we are going to deal with you firmly. We cannot have a nation run by terror and governed by violence; it will not happen under my watch,” Ruto said.
The country has witnessed a series of protests, that has led to lose of lives, looting, destruction and torching of businesses as well. After accessing the aftermath, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen echoes similar sentiments by President William Ruto, to shoot anyone attacking and approaching police stations as guns held by officers are not snacks.
“Anyone who gets near a police station, shoot them. Why should someone who wants to steal firearms be spared? Bunduki sio mandazi!” Murkomen said.
The two directives from the president implying the level of disregard and intimidation of protests a right enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
