President William Ruto has stood by his controversial remarks made in July, where he told police officers to shoot protesters in the legs, saying he has no regrets about the statement.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Ruto explained his comments, saying that the police have the right to use force in certain instances when lives are threatened.
“I do not regret those comments at all because the law allows police to use force when other people’s lives are in danger,” Ruto said.
The interviewer questioned why the President seemed to personally direct police operations instead of allowing officers to exercise their independence within established procedures. They further pressed him on the use of live ammunition during protests, which is generally discouraged by international standards.
“You did not leave it to the police force and got directly involved. You told police to shoot protesters in the legs. Surely live fire is not something that should be used in protests. Do you regret those comments?” the interviewer asked.
Ruto maintained that police officers are well-trained and understand when and how to use force responsibly.
“I think the police know what they need to do. The police understand that it is within their purview and that is why when I came into office I ensured police are independent,” he said.
When challenged on how the police can remain independent if he issues such instructions, Ruto clarified that his role does not extend to giving operational commands.
“There is nowhere in the law that allows me to order the police,” he added.
