President William Ruto has defended his controversial remarks directing police officers to “shoot protesters in the leg” during the July 2025 anti-government demonstrations, saying he stands by his comments and maintains that police acted within the law.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, the president said he had no regrets about the directive issued on July 9, 2025, following violent protests that left at least 65 people dead.
“I don’t regret those comments at all because the law allows the police to use force when other people’s lives are in danger,” President Ruto said.
He explained that the demonstrations had mixed elements including peaceful protesters and criminal groups and that police were forced to strike a balance between maintaining order and protecting lives and property.
“The public went up in arms because they said these are not protests. This is looting, this is criminality. The police had to balance between dealing with violent criminals on one end and managing protests on the other,” he said.
During the commissioning of a police housing project in Nairobi’s Kilimani area earlier in July, President Ruto told officers to maim rather than kill violent demonstrators.
“Anyone who burns down someone else’s business or property, let them be shot in the leg and go to the hospital as they head to court. Let them not be killed, but they should learn that destroying people’s property is wrong,” he said at the time.
In his latest remarks, the president insisted that his statement did not amount to a formal order, emphasizing that the National Police Service operates independently.
“I think the police know what they need to do. They understand their mandate. That is why when I came into office, I ensured the police were independent,” he added.
President Ruto also dismissed allegations of government interference with media coverage during the protests. He pointed to critical newspaper headlines including one labeling him “Rogue Ruto” as evidence of a free press in Kenya.
“The media is independent in Kenya. They write all manner of things. They are even free to lie. It’s up to their conscience to write the truth. Ultimately, the people of Kenya will judge who is right and who is wrong,” he said.
Addressing the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody, Ruto said the officers involved had been arrested and charged.
“The police officers involved in that incident are behind bars. We have a force of 110,000 officers you will not miss a few rogue elements. When we identify them, we deal with them,” he stated.
He rejected claims by human rights organizations that more than 80 government critics and protesters disappeared between 2024 and 2025, insisting that his administration had ended extrajudicial killings.
“None of those claims are true. I’ve told those making such allegations to come forward with names and evidence. Today, there are no incidences of Kenyans being executed. I promised to stop it, and I did,” Ruto said.
The president further defended his record on governance, citing progress in job creation, education, healthcare, and the fight against corruption. He highlighted the Conflict of Interest Act, enacted earlier in 2025, which bars public officials from doing business with the government.
“I signed the law prohibiting public officers from trading with the government. I’ve also appointed more judges than any other president within three years to strengthen the judiciary and enhance the fight against corruption,” he said.
President Ruto reiterated that his administration remains committed to upholding the rule of law, strengthening institutions, and ensuring accountability across all levels of government.
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