Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly criticized President William Ruto over a controversial directive allowing police to shoot criminals found masquerading as protesters in the legs. Gachagua condemned the order, calling it inhumane and a violation of human rights.
Speaking before departing for a tour of the United States on Wednesday night, Gachagua accused Ruto of lacking empathy, especially in the wake of recent deadly protests. “You could not even send condolences to the dead. You lack feelings and humanity,” Gachagua said. He added that together with like-minded Kenyans, they would report the President to the International Criminal Court (ICC), noting, “We shall report you not to the Kenyan police but the ICC an address you are familiar with.”
President Ruto issued the directive while inspecting a Police Housing project in Kilimani, Nairobi. He ordered police to shoot criminals in the legs—specifically those caught burning and looting businesses and ensure they are taken to hospital before being charged in court.
“We want peace in Kenya, for people to do business,” Ruto stated. “A person who is going to burn another person’s business and property should be shot in the legs, taken to the hospital, and then to court. They should not be killed, but they must face the law.”
However, Ruto clarified that the directive was not a license to kill innocent civilians and warned officers against extrajudicial killings. He also condemned the recent attacks on police officers and public infrastructure, branding them acts of terrorism and a declaration of war.
In addition, the President issued a stern warning to political leaders accused of sponsoring violent protests, vowing legal consequences. “We are coming after you. You cannot sponsor violence in the Republic of Kenya and expect to go scot-free,” he warned.
The directive has ignited national debate, with human rights groups and opposition leaders raising concerns over its potential misuse and the broader implications for civil liberties and police accountability in Kenya. As tensions simmer, the fallout from the ongoing anti-government protests continues to deepen the political divide between Ruto and his former deputy.
