President William Ruto has fiercely defended the government’s use of roadblocks, teargas, and water cannons during protests, following a court order that temporarily barred police from erecting barricades in and around Nairobi.
His assertion follows a court case by the Katiba Institute that the government had acted illegitimately in suspending basic constitutional freedoms during the July 7 protests. Police had on that day shut off main roads into Nairobi in a bid to keep Saba Saba protesters from accessing the city center.
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In a Wednesday ruling, Justice Lawrence Mugambi concurred with the petitioners that the National Police Service had violated basic constitutional rights – that is, freedom of movement, assembly, and peaceful demonstration, as provided for by Articles 37 and 39 of the Constitution.
“Pending the hearing of the application,” the judge said, “a conservatory order is hereby issued restraining the Inspector General of Police and his officers from suspending Articles 37 and 39 of the Constitution by cancelling, disrupting, or interfering in any way with the right to assemble, protest, or picket while peaceful and unarmed.”
Ruto: You Can’t Protect Protest Rights and Ignore Property Rights
Speaking shortly after the ruling at State House, President Ruto pushed back strongly, insisting that the right to protest must not come at the expense of other citizens’ safety and property.
Ruto said that the constitution not only guarantees the right to assemble and protest but also guards against the protection of property and security of others during such protests.
He further stated that law enforcement agencies should do everything in their power, including setting up roadblocks and employing teargas and water cannons, to prevent criminal elements from taking over protests and resulting in destruction.
“Nimeona ati leo kuna mtu kortini amesema ati Inspector General ya polisi asiweke roadblock, asitumie teargas, asitumie water cannon kuprotect mali na maisha ya Wakenya wengine na huyo mwenye anasema hiyo, kwake kuna askari wanamchunga,” he said.
(Translation: I’ve seen someone in court today, saying the Inspector General shouldn’t set up roadblocks or use teargas and water cannons to protect property and the lives of other Kenyans, yet that same person is guarded by police at their own home.)
“Shoot Looters in the Leg” – Ruto’s Tough Talk
In one of his most controversial statements yet, President Ruto said anyone caught destroying property during protests should be shot in the leg, hospitalized, and then face the law.
“They are supposed to be used to protect the lives and property of other Kenyans when they are in danger,” he said, referring to teargas and water cannons.
The president’s hardline stance didn’t stop there. Speaking earlier at Kilimani Police Station, where he was inspecting a police housing project, Ruto issued a stern warning to those he accused of plotting to remove him from power through unconstitutional means.
“I want to tell those characters giving us lectures that they can change this administration using violence and unlawful means before 2027—let them try,” he said defiantly.
He warned that Kenya is a democratic state and leadership transitions must happen at the ballot box, not through street chaos or violent disruption.
“This is a democratic nation and Kenyans will choose the nation’s leadership through the ballot,” he said. “We cannot choose leadership through violence. That is not going to happen in this country.”
Ruto Questions Unrest Targeted at His Government
The president also questioned why his administration seems to be facing more unrest compared to previous regimes. He lashed out at critics who, he said, have remained silent under past governments but are now stirring tension under his leadership.
“They are telling me about Moi… he was a president, the same way Kibaki was a president, same as Uhuru,” Ruto said. “So where is all this coming from? That is nonsense!”
He added: “Why didn’t they cause chaos during Kibaki’s or Uhuru’s time? Why are you causing this during my time? That needs to stop.”
“Enough Is Enough” – President Vows to Maintain Order
Ruto vowed that his administration will continue to enforce law and order and go after those responsible for inciting or funding violence.
“Those who were found looting people’s businesses will be dealt with by the law. They will all be arrested, and we are going for those sponsoring them,” he declared.
He also drew a firm line on attacks against police stations and law enforcement, calling such acts a “declaration of war.”
“Anyone going to attack a police station in Kenya—that is a declaration of war,” he said. “It is not acceptable. Enough is enough. I will protect the property and the lives of Kenyans.”
