“Shoot Them in the Leg”: Ruto’s Protest Crackdown Sparks Outrage Across Kenya

By iNewsAfrica Staff
Published: July 10, 2025

Nairobi, Kenya — Kenyan President William Ruto has ignited a firestorm of criticism after publicly instructing police officers to shoot protesters “in the leg” to quell mounting anti-government demonstrations. The controversial directive, issued amid weeks of unrest, is being condemned by human rights groups and has triggered a wave of satirical backlash among Kenya’s digitally savvy youth.

The president’s remarks came after fresh protests swept across the country on July 7—coinciding with the historic Saba Saba Day—leaving at least 31 people dead and over 100 injured, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. This brings the total death toll from two months of protests to more than 50.

“If you find a person looting a supermarket, don’t go for the head—shoot them in the leg,” President Ruto declared during a recent televised address.

The directive is being positioned by the government as a non-lethal approach to crowd control. However, critics argue it legitimizes the use of excessive force and opens the door to further police brutality in a country with a long, painful history of extrajudicial killings.

From Protest to Meme War

Rather than silencing dissent, the president’s comments have sparked a new wave of resistance—this time through satire. Social media platforms have erupted with memes and artwork mocking the “leg shot policy,” portraying crutches, wheelchairs, and cartoons under hashtags like #WheelliamRuto and #ShootInTheLeg.

Many protesters see this as symbolic of the generational disconnect between leadership and a youth-led movement demanding economic justice, accountability, and dignity.

Global Condemnation

The United Nations, Amnesty International, and other global watchdogs have raised alarms over the militarized response to civilian demonstrations. The use of live bullets, rubber rounds, and tear gas has intensified scrutiny of Ruto’s administration, once hailed as a reformist government.

“This is not law enforcement—it is state-sanctioned brutality,” said one Nairobi-based legal advocate. “The president’s statement amounts to an official license to maim.”

Protests Rooted in Deeper Wounds

The unrest was initially triggered by the custodial death of activist blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang, but it has grown into a broader movement fueled by youth unemployment, inflation, and the lingering memory of the violent 2024 Finance Bill protests—where 19 died after Parliament was stormed by demonstrators.

What Next for Kenya?

As protests continue to gain momentum, and opposition leaders call for accountability, Kenya appears to be entering a new era of civil unrest. The coming weeks will test whether dialogue or further crackdowns will shape the future of the nation.

iNewsAfrica will continue monitoring the situation as it unfolds.

Got a tip or story on the ground? Contact iNewsAfrica’s Nairobi desk at publisher@inewsafrica.com.