President William Ruto has said he has no regrets over his controversial directive to police officers to “don’t kill them, shoot them in the leg” during the recent anti-government protests, arguing that the law permits the use of force against violent demonstrators.Speaking during an interview with Al Jazeera, President Ruto defended the July 9, 2025, remarks, which came after a violent wave of protests that left at least 65 people dead.
I don’t regret those comments at all because the law allows the police to use force when other people’s lives are in danger
President Ruto The Head of State explained that the protests had multiple dimensions, including both “genuine demonstrators” and “criminal elements” who engaged in looting and destruction of property.
“The public went up in arms because they said these are not protests. This is looting, this is criminality, and we have had to balance. The police have had to balance between dealing with violent criminals on one end and also managing protests.”
President Ruto Ruto’s Controversial Directive
During the commissioning of a police housing project in Nairobi’s Kilimani area, Ruto told police officers to shoot and maim violent protesters.
Anyone who burns down someone else’s business and property, let them be shot in the leg and go to the hospital as they head to court. Yes, let them not kill, but shoot and break the legs. Destroying people’s property is not right
President Ruto However, speaking to Al Jazeera, the President clarified that his remarks were not an official order to the police, emphasizing that the National Police Service operates independently.
I think the police know what they need to do. And the police, by the way, understand that it is within their purview, which is why when I came into office, I ensured that the police were independent. The police carried out their responsibilities independently
President Ruto On Media Freedom
Ruto also dismissed allegations that his government interferes with media coverage of the protests. He pointed to critical headlines, including “Rogue Ruto” published by The Standard, as evidence of a free and independent press in Kenya.
The media is independent in Kenya. They write all manner of stuff. I think what you’ve just said, rogue, is one of the mildest they are also free to lie and to churn out falsehoods. It’s up to their conscience to write the right thing. But the people of Kenya will ultimately make an assessment of who has done the right thing and who has not
President Ruto Response to Police Abuse Allegations
Addressing concerns over police brutality, Ruto cited the case of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody, saying the officers involved had been arrested and charged.
The police who were involved in that particular incident are behind bars. We have a police force of 110,000; you will not miss elements who are rogue. When we identify them, we deal with them.
President Ruto He further rejected claims by human rights groups that over 80 government critics and protesters disappeared in 2024 and 2025, asserting that his administration had ended extrajudicial killings.
I can tell you none of those people… I have told those who claim that so-and-so has disappeared to step forward and tell the country who they are and when they were abducted. Today, there are no incidences of Kenyans being executed. I committed to stop it, and I did
President RutoOn Governance and Reforms
The President also defended his track record on key campaign promises, including jobs, education, and healthcare, while highlighting efforts to curb corruption.
He cited the Conflict of Interest Bill, passed earlier this year, as a milestone in his administration’s anti-graft agenda.
I did sign the law that prohibits public officers from doing business with the government
Preident RutoHe further said his administration had strengthened the judiciary by hiring more judges than any previous president within three years.
I think I have hired the most judges in three years to make sure the criminal justice system is properly equipped to handle corruption and other cases
President Ruto 