“Anyone who will attack a police officer or police station… that is a declaration of war in the Republic of Kenya, and that is unacceptable,” said a seemingly furious Dr Ruto.
He added: “Anyone who takes fire to go and torch someone else’s business and property should be shot in the leg—so that he can go to hospital, then afterwards to court.”
Ruto’s remarks quickly attracted criticism from Kenyans, who expressed concern that police may now resort to excessive force following the directive from the Commander-in-Chief.
The shoot-to-cripple order comes at a time when intense public debate surrounds the charges facing those arrested in connection with attacks on police stations.
The National Police Service Act outlines the circumstances under which officers may use firearms on suspects or criminals.
Section 19 of the Act states that firearms should only be used as a last resort—when less extreme measures are insufficient to protect life or prevent serious harm.
The Act explicitly prohibits the use of firearms for punishment, intimidation, or discrimination, and requires officers to justify their actions and be subject to investigation where necessary.
