Opposition leader Raila Odinga has sharply criticized President William Ruto over his recent directive authorizing police to shoot protesters in the legs to stop destruction of property, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of basic human rights.
Highlights:
- Raila condemned Ruto’s shoot-to-maim order during protests.
- He urged the government to respect due process and rule of law.
- The comments follow deadly protests across multiple counties.
- Raila warned that policing through violence threatens democracy.
Main Story:
Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has come out strongly against President Ruto’s controversial order encouraging police to shoot protesters in the legs. According to Raila, such a directive not only violates the Constitution but also undermines the country’s justice system.
Speaking on Thursday, Raila stated that “everyone is innocent until proven guilty” and emphasized that no leader should condone extra-judicial actions under the guise of maintaining order. He argued that suspects must be arrested and charged in court—not shot or maimed on sight.
Raila’s remarks come in the wake of nationwide protests that have rocked Kenya over the past few weeks. The demonstrations, largely driven by discontent with government policies and economic hardship, have resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries, sparking public outrage over police brutality.
President Ruto’s directive, which labeled some demonstrators as “terrorists,” has drawn criticism from human rights groups and civil society, who warn that empowering police to use such force sets a dangerous precedent. Raila has now joined that chorus, warning that Kenya risks sliding into authoritarianism if such tactics are normalized.
Odinga concluded by calling on the government to de-escalate the situation and engage in constructive dialogue with citizens, especially the youth, who have been at the forefront of the protests.
If Kenya is to uphold its democratic values, are bullets really the answer to public dissent?
