Amnesty International has strongly criticized President William Ruto’s recent remarks suggesting police should shoot violent protesters in the leg, warning that such statements risk escalating an already volatile situation across Kenya.
The rights group’s condemnation comes after last week’s deadly anti-government demonstrations left at least 38 people dead — the bloodiest day since the start of youth-led protests against President Ruto’s administration.
Ruto, under intense domestic and international pressure, said protesters involved in violence “should be shot in the leg,” a statement that has sparked outrage among human rights groups and international observers.
Amnesty International Kenya director Irungu Houghton said the president’s remarks were “unlawful” and dangerously provocative.
“It is extremely dangerous for politicians to instruct police officers on how to conduct policing during protests,” he said, warning that such rhetoric could heighten tensions and lead to further clashes involving protesters, police, and armed civilians.
A new report released by the Police Reforms Working Group — a coalition of civil society organizations including Amnesty — accuses law enforcement of serious abuses, including extrajudicial executions, use of live ammunition on unarmed civilians, enforced disappearances, and unlawful arrests.
The report documented over 500 injuries among civilians and police, with another 500 people facing charges, including terrorism-related offenses. It also estimates protest-related economic losses at KSh 1.1 billion ($14 million).
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen promised investigations into police excesses and pledged to issue new guidelines on the use of force and firearms by Friday.
