Ruto Throws Police Under the Bus Over ‘Shoot the Leg’ Order
President William Ruto has sparked fresh controversy after offering conflicting statements about his role in Kenya’s recent police crackdowns on anti-government protests.
During an interview with an international television network on Sunday, November 9, 2025, the president sought to distance himself from the widely condemned “shoot the leg” directive that was interpreted as authorising excessive force.
Ruto insisted that the law does not give him authority to issue operational instructions to police officers, emphasising that the National Police Service acts independently.
“There is nowhere in the law that allows me to order the police,” Ruto said. “The media is independent in Kenya, and they write all manner of stuff… They are free to lie and channel falsehoods. That is them.”
His remarks appeared to shift responsibility away from the presidency for the police response during the June 2024 and June 2025 protests, where dozens were injured or killed.
However, in the same interview, Ruto defended his past “shoot the leg” comment, saying he stood by it and arguing that police are allowed to use force when public safety is at risk.
“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,” he said. “The police know what they need to do and understand what is in their purview.”
The conflicting statements reignited debate about Ruto’s stance on police accountability. Critics accused the president of attempting to downplay his role in the government’s response to the demonstrations, while human rights organisations renewed calls for justice for victims of police violence.
Observers say the president’s mixed messaging could complicate ongoing efforts to reform Kenya’s police service, which has faced repeated accusations of excessive force during protests.
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Ruto Throws Police Under the Bus Over ‘Shoot the Leg’ Order