Ruto issued the directive on Wednesday July 2025 while commissioning a police housing project in Nairobi’s Kilimani area.

“Anyone who burns down someone else’s business or property, shoot them in the leg so they can go to hospital and then to court. Yes, don’t kill them, but shoot and break their legs. Destroying people’s property is not acceptable,” Ruto told the police officers.

The President also warned unnamed political leaders he accused of sponsoring youth to commit acts of violence and looting.

“It is leaders financing youth to carry out these acts, and we are coming after you!” he declared.

Ruto said that attacks on police officers and security installations, including police stations, will now be treated as acts of terrorism.

“Those who attack our police officers and security installations, including police stations, are declaring war. That is terrorism, and we will deal with you firmly. We cannot have a country run by terror or ruled by violence. It will not happen under my watch,” the President said.

His tough warning comes as protests continue to grow across Kenya amid rising public anger over the high cost of living and crackdowns on government critics and demonstrators.

According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the latest protests held on Monday left 31 people dead and at least 107 injured. Amnesty International Kenya reported that the June 25, 2024 protests left more than 16 people dead, most of them shot by police.

The demonstrations have seen widespread looting and arson targeting business premises in at least 15 counties. Youthful protesters have also attacked nine police stations, torching at least five, along with court buildings and county government offices and vehicles.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen recently issued similar orders to the police, telling them to shoot anyone who attempts to approach police stations.

“Anyone who gets near a police station, shoot them. Why should someone who wants to steal firearms be spared? Firearms are not doughnuts!” Murkomen said after the June 25 protests.

However, critics and human rights groups continue to accuse police of brutality, including the use of live bullets against unarmed protesters, which has resulted in deaths, injuries, and alleged abductions of youth activists.

Source: Citizen Digital