Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has strongly criticised President William Ruto over remarks suggesting that individuals caught vandalising or destroying property during protests should be shot in the legs before being taken to court.
Speaking during an inspection tour of a police housing project in Kilimani, Nairobi, President Ruto said, “Mtu ambaye anaenda kuchoma biashara ya wenyewe… mtu kama huyo apigwe risasi miguu aende hospitali akienda kortini.” (A person who goes to burn other people’s businesses should be shot in the legs, taken to hospital, and then taken to court.)
He added that police should not aim to kill but to disable: “Wasimuume lakini wapige hii miguu ivunjike.”
These comments have sparked widespread public outrage, with critics pointing to their contradiction of constitutional principles, particularly the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial under Article 50(2)(a) of the Constitution of Kenya.
In a scathing social media post, MP Amisi responded, “Which part of the Constitution of Kenya allows the shooting of citizens on their legs, genitals, or wherever, for whatever crime committed? Even murderers are not shot but taken to court.”
The MP further warned that Kenya risks backsliding into authoritarianism, stating, “Kenya needs a renaissance urgently before we remain an example of a nation that once was an EAC hegemony.”
Amisi’s remarks echo concerns from legal experts and civil society groups, who argue that the President’s comments may be seen as incitement to use excessive force and a disregard for the rule of law.
The backlash has also taken a satirical turn online, with users circulating AI-generated images of people in wheelchairs and on crutches, mocking the President’s remarks.
President Ruto made the controversial statement in the context of recent nationwide protests led by Generation Z activists. While many demonstrations were peaceful, some were marred by violence and looting, allegedly perpetrated by hired goons.
Despite clarifying that police should not aim to kill, Ruto’s assertion that such offenders be “dealt with” and then taken to court has done little to calm public outrage over what many view as unconstitutional and dangerous rhetoric from the country’s top office.
