William Ruto on Wednesday, July 9, urged Kenyan police to shoot and "break the legs" of protesters who cause disturbances or damage. The country has been rocked by weeks of protests following the death last month of a blogger and government critic in police custody. The police crackdown left 31 dead and dozens injured last Monday.
Kenyan President William Ruto on Wednesday urged police to shoot and “break the legs” of protesters who set fires and riot, following a wave of massive street protests that have rocked the country for a month and erupted after the death in custody of a blogger critical of the government.
Ruto, who had remained silent on the protests, which peaked on Monday, said on Wednesday that "enough is enough," assuring that he would not allow anarchy in the country, supposedly masked by peaceful protests.
The president called those who attack citizens, police officers, security facilities, and businesses "terrorists." He also stated that the unrest was politically motivated and assured that he would not allow the destruction of property.
"Anyone who burns people's property should be shot in the leg, hospitalized, and, once recovered, brought to justice. Don't kill them, but break their legs," he said while visiting the construction site of one of his government's affordable housing projects in Nairobi.
"You can call me whatever you want, but I will ensure there is peace and stability in Kenya by all means," Ruto stated. He also read out an anti-riot bill, targeting his political opponents who, he said, wanted to overthrow his government through violence. He added, "Anyone who attacks a police station, that is a declaration of war."
"This is a democratic country, and it is the citizens who determine their leadership through elections. We cannot determine leadership through violence," Ruto stated.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen also ordered police last week to "shoot on sight" anyone who approached police stations during the protests, after several were burned.
Discontent with the Government Grows
Protesters accuse authorities of paying armed groups to discredit their movement, while the government has compared the demonstrations to an "attempted coup d'état."
On Monday, July 7, groups of Kenyan anti-government protesters burned tires and clashed with police, who used tear gas and blocked roads in Nairobi to suppress the protesters and prevent civilians from gathering.
Young Kenyans, frustrated by economic stagnation, corruption and police brutality, turned out in droves despite obstacles for Monday's protests, which quickly descended into clashes, riots, looting and violence, leaving dozens dead and thousands of businesses destroyed.
