Kenyan President Orders Police to Shoot Protesters in the Leg as Kenya Faces Rising Unrest

Nairobi Kenya: According to the BBC, Kenyan President William Ruto has ordered police to shoot protesters targeting businesses in the legs, not to kill, but to stop them. His directive comes amid growing anger over the government, with over 30 people killed and hundreds injured or arrested during recent anti-government protests.

Ruto defended the police, saying attacks on officers are like a “declaration of war,” and vowed to deal firmly with those pushing for violent change. “This country will not be destroyed by a few impatient people,” he warned, urging rivals to wait for the 2027 elections.

The protests have been driven by public anger over rising taxes, youth unemployment, and police brutality, especially after a blogger died in custody. A 12-year-old child was among those killed in the latest unrest.

Human rights groups and the UN have condemned the excessive force, with calls growing for investigations into police actions and violence during the protests. Opposition leaders accuse the government of state-sponsored brutality and have called for boycotts.

Meanwhile, Chief Justice Martha Koome has urged calm, warning that the violence threatens Kenya’s democracy.