Kenya’s President Orders Police to Shoot Protesters in Legs Amid Deadly Unrest

Kenya’s President Orders Police to Shoot Protesters in Legs Amid Deadly Unrest
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Kenyan President William Ruto has ordered police to shoot protesters in the legs if they target businesses, escalating his response to widespread anti-government demonstrations. Speaking in Nairobi, Ruto said offenders should be injured and taken to court, but not killed. His remarks follow protests that left 31 people dead on Monday, raising the two-month death toll to at least 51.

The protests began last year over proposed tax hikes and have grown into broader demands for economic reforms and Ruto’s resignation. Despite withdrawing the finance bill and dismissing most of his cabinet, Ruto has faced continued criticism for failing to tackle corruption and economic hardship.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported over 100 injuries during the latest protests, which coincided with the anniversary of Saba Saba, a historic pro-democracy uprising. UNICEF condemned the killing of a 12-year-old girl by a stray bullet and the arrest of minors.

Ruto accused protesters of declaring “war” on the state, equating attacks on police and stations to terrorism. Opposition leaders, however, accused his government of using excessive force and called for a boycott of businesses linked to his administration. The UN urged Kenyan authorities to restrain from unnecessary lethal force.