President says police must shoot looters in the legs, not to kill, but to stop destruction
President William Ruto has directed police officers to use force against individuals who hide behind protests to commit crimes such as looting and destroying property.
While speaking in Kilimani, Nairobi during an inspection of an ongoing police housing project, Ruto said that officers should aim for the legs, allowing suspects to be arrested, treated, and later charged in court.
“We want peace in Kenya, people to do business. A person who is going to burn another person’s business and property, such a person should be shot in the legs, taken to the hospital and then to court,” he said.
“They should not kill him but they should shoot the legs. We cannot accept people who burn other people’s property and business. Is there really justice there? Police should not shoot citizens to kill but the criminals should be dealt with.”
Ruto stressed that Kenyans are tired of unrest and want a stable environment to work and live. He said destroying businesses and livelihoods under the pretense of protest is unjustifiable.
However, he cautioned that police must not harm innocent civilians. He said force should be applied only in dealing with people committing criminal acts.
The President also warned political leaders allegedly funding recent protests that they will be held accountable.
“We are coming after you. You cannot sponsor violence in the Republic of Kenya and expect to go scot-free,” he stated.
He further said all those involved in looting or burning both private and public property will not be spared.
Ruto condemned attacks on police and state security facilities, calling them acts of terrorism and a direct declaration of war against the nation.
Shops looted, businesses torched in multiple counties following Monday protests
Mt Kenya region was mostly affected by looting in the wake of Saba Saba protests.
Property worth millions of shillings were damaged or stolen in several towns.
Incidents of vandalism and theft were reported in Meru, Kiambu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga and Nyeri counties.
Some businesses were broken into, and others were set on fire during the unrest. Most affected were traders operating supermarkets, clothing shops, and general retail outlets.
In Makutano town, Meru County, protesters stormed Magunas Supermarket. Goods were stolen and the premises were later set ablaze.
In Mwea, demonstrators targeted Nice Nice, the town’s largest rice processing company. Although the building was not burned, valuable property was taken during the attack.
Business owners in the region said the losses were devastating, and many called for protection and compensation. Several traders said they may not be able to reopen soon due to the extent of the damage.
The full cost of destruction is still being assessed, but local leaders and traders have already described the economic impact as severe.