Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has sharply criticized President William Ruto’s recent directive encouraging law enforcement officers to shoot-to-kill or maim suspects accused of looting and destruction during recent anti-government protests.
In a strongly worded statement on Friday, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader emphasized the importance of upholding due process and respecting human rights, warning that any deviation risks turning Kenya into a militarized state.
“As a country, we must at all times opt for the Rule of Law and due process,” Raila stated. “We must reject the temptation to give police illegitimate and deadly powers over citizens, even when the citizens are perceived to have broken the law.”
Raila urged the Ruto administration to focus on arresting and arraigning suspects in court, rather than resorting to brutal force.
“Everyone is innocent until proven guilty,” he said. “That determination can only be made by a competent court of law. Let’s prioritize arrests and legal proceedings over killing or maiming suspects.”
He argued that ensuring suspects receive a fair trial helps preserve their dignity, uphold human rights, and gives legitimacy to the State’s actions.
The veteran opposition leader warned that embracing a militarized approach to law enforcement only fuels violence and undermines public trust in institutions.
“Examples from around the continent show that such an approach only increases the risk of violence. It endangers both suspects and law enforcement officers.”
Raila’s remarks come days after President Ruto issued a controversial directive during the commissioning of a police housing project in Kilimani, Nairobi. Ruto instructed police officers to shoot looters in the legs rather than let them walk free.
“Anyone who burns down someone else’s business and property, let them be shot in the leg… yes, let them not kill, but shoot and break the legs,” the President said on Wednesday.
