By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Kenya’s President William Ruto has ordered security officials to tame protests in cities across the country by shooting demonstrators targeting businesses in the legs and ensuring that they are incapacitated but not killed.
“Anyone caught burning another person’s business or property should be shot in the leg, hospitalised, and later taken to court. Don’t kill them, but ensure their legs are broken,” the Kenyan leader said in an address on Wednesday.
The UN and human rights groups have accused the police of using excessive force in the recent wave of anti-government protests.
According to a state-owned human rights agency, at least 31 people were killed on Monday during anti-government demonstrations.
In addition to the 31 deaths, more than 100 people were injured and about 532 arrested in the protests which hit the capital Nairobi and other major cities, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) said. But the police in Kenya said only 11 people died.
Ruto further warned political opponents against sponsoring and using violent protests and “unlawful” means to forcibly remove him from power.
The UN said it was deeply troubled by the killings and criticised the Kenyan police for using “lethal ammunition” against protesters.
Ruto in the address defended the police action, saying an attack on security forces would be a “declaration of war” against the country.
“Kenya cannot and will not be ruled through threats, terror, or chaos. Not under my watch,” the president said, vowing to “firmly” deal with those behind the protests.
He said any change of government was only possible through the ballot and not through protests, urging his opponents to wait for the 2027 general elections.
“This country will not be destroyed by a few people who are impatient and who want a change of government using unconstitutional means. It is not going to happen,” Ruto added.
The East African country has witnessed escalated tension following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody last month. His demise brought people back onto the streets, just a year after Kenyans stormed the parliamentary building in demonstration over plans to hike tax last year.
Rising economic challenges have fanned anger in a country where youth unemployment and the quality of jobs remain significant concerns.
Ruto acknowledged the youth unemployment crisis in the country but said the job challenges had existed long before he came to power in 2022. He said that his administration was the first to take deliberate steps to address it.
The 58-year-old leader questioned why some Kenyans have been more critical and confrontational towards his administration compared to previous governments.
“Why cause all the chaos during my time?” Ruto asked rhetorically, warning against ethnic politics.
“You can call me whatever names you want to call me, but I will make sure there is peace and stability in Kenya.”
Many of those demonstrating chanted “Ruto must go” and “wantam”, meaning “one term”, a popular rallying call demanding President Ruto leave office.
In a statement issued late Tuesday, the KNCHR said the sharp rise in the death toll was “deeply troubling”.
Looting of government facilities and private businesses has been reported. According to Reuters, at least two hospitals were damaged after unidentified attackers raided the facilities, made away with medical equipment, and harassed staff.
