Amnesty International Condemns President Ruto’s Call to Shoot Protesters

Amnesty International has strongly condemned Kenyan President, William Ruto’s recent directive instructing police officers to shoot violent protesters in the legs during demonstrations. The human rights organization described the statement as “unlawful” and warned it could escalate violence in the country.

The controversy began on July 9, 2025, during Kenya’s Saba Saba protests, when President Ruto addressed security forces, telling them to incapacitate protesters by shooting them in the legs instead of using lethal force.

The president claimed the order was intended to protect lives and property while curbing violent unrest.

However, Amnesty International, along with other human rights groups and opposition leaders, has condemned the remarks. Amnesty’s Kenya Executive Director, Irungu Houghton, criticized the directive, saying it puts citizens at greater risk of injury and violates international policing standards.

“It is dangerous and unlawful for political leaders to instruct police on how to use force against protesters,” Houghton said.

Civil society organizations, including the Independent Medico-Legal Unit, have also demanded that President Ruto revoke the order immediately and issue a public apology.

Some groups have threatened legal action if the directive is not withdrawn.

The backlash comes amid rising tension in Kenya, where recent anti-government protests have led to clashes between demonstrators and police. Opposition leaders accuse the government of using excessive force and claim that the president’s latest comments will only worsen the situation.

As of now, the Kenyan government has not officially retracted the directive, leaving the nation and the international community on edge over how security forces will handle future protests.