NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has defended his controversial “shoot-to-leg” remarks, insisting the directive was a lawful call to safeguard citizens and property amid violent protests, and not an attempt to suppress dissent.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera on Sunday, Ruto said his statement had been misinterpreted, reiterating that the National Police Service (NPS) operates independently and is empowered by law to use reasonable force in protecting lives and public property.
“I do not regret those comments at all because the law allows the police to use force when other people’s lives are in danger,” Ruto said. “The police know what they need to do and understand what is in their purview.”
Ruto dismissed claims that his government was directing police operations, stressing that his remarks reflected his personal position on law enforcement, not a formal directive.
“The police are independent, and there is nowhere in the law where I have the power to direct them,” he said.
The President’s comments come after widespread criticism from human rights groups and opposition leaders, who accused his administration of endorsing excessive force during recent protests that turned violent in several parts of the country.
During the July 9 incident in Kilimani, Ruto had stated that anyone attempting to burn property or attack police officers should be “shot in the leg, taken to hospital, and then presented in court.”
“Anyone who invades a police station or attacks officers is declaring war against the Republic of Kenya,” Ruto said at the time, vowing that his government would not tolerate “arson, destruction, or lawlessness under the guise of protest.”
Asked about cases of police brutality, including the death of teacher and activist Albert Ojwang while in custody, Ruto acknowledged the existence of “rogue officers” but maintained that accountability mechanisms were in place.
“We have thousands of police officers, and you cannot miss a rogue one. That is why we have laws to deal with such elements,” he said.
The Head of State also rejected claims that his administration was intolerant of media criticism, saying journalists were free to publish what they deemed fit.
“The media are independent. They write all manner of things which I do not agree with, but they have a right to say them,” Ruto remarked.
During the wide-ranging interview, Ruto also weighed in on regional developments — questioning Tanzania’s recent election results, denying allegations of Kenyan arms supply to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, and reporting progress in peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“It is not for me to judge Tanzania, but in a democracy like Kenya, you can never get 96 per cent,” he said.
Ruto maintained that his administration remains committed to upholding the rule of law while balancing public safety with citizens’ constitutional rights to protest.
