Kenya’s Saba Saba protests: President William Ruto orders police to shoot rioters targeting businesses in the legs
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Kenyan president orders police to shoot Gen Z protesters in the legs
Kenya’s president has ordered police to shoot Gen Z protesters vandalising businesses in the legs, ensuring they are debilitated but not killed. William Ruto declared on Wednesday that “anyone caught burning another person’s business or property should be shot in the
William Ruto declared on Wednesday that “anyone caught burning another person’s business or property should be shot in the leg, hospitalised and later taken to court. Don’t kill them, but ensure their legs are broken”.
The UN has accused Kenyan police of using excessive force including live ammunition, tear gas and rubber bullets in the latest wave of anti-government protests, as simmering anger against Mr Ruto’s government erupted into clashes between protesters and police in the capital Nairobi and other cities.
He accused protesters of trying to “bring disaster” to Kenya in a bid to overthrow the government before the 2027 elections.
State Violence in Kenya Is Tearing Apart Democratic and Legal Norms
The Saba Saba protests of July 7, 2025, marked a pivotal moment in Kenya’s political and social landscape. What began as demonstrations against police brutality, government accountability, and the rising cost of living quickly escalated into a nationwide crisis. President William Ruto issued a directive to police to shoot rioters targeting businesses in the legs. This has been widely criticized as a gross violation of human rights and an endorsement of state-sanctioned violence. The government’s heavy-handed approach, including the deployment of heavily armed police units with military-grade weapons, was in direct violation of court orders limiting the use of such force during demonstrations. The scale of the protests was unprecedented. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, over 500 people were arrested, with 31 confirmed deaths and more than 100 injuries reported. The protests had a significant economic impact, particularly in Nairobi and other major towns where businesses shut down due to looting and violence. Many business owners resorted to their own armed security teams, forming armed security clubs.
Background and Context of the Saba Saba Protests
The Saba Saba protests, named after the date July 7 (Saba Saba in Swahili), have historically been a platform for Kenyans to voice grievances against socio-economic injustices. In 2025, these protests were fueled by a combination of factors: escalating police brutality, economic hardships including inflation and unemployment, and perceived government unaccountability. The protests spread rapidly across the country, affecting at least 17 of Kenya’s 47 counties, including the capital Nairobi, which accounts for approximately 27.5% of the nation’s GDP.
The scale of the protests was unprecedented. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), over 500 people were arrested, with 31 confirmed deaths and more than 100 injuries reported. The protests saw widespread use of live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons by police forces. The government’s heavy-handed approach, including the deployment of heavily armed police units with military-grade weapons, was in direct violation of court orders limiting the use of such force during demonstrations.
President Ruto’s Directive: A Controversial Stance on Policing
In the midst of escalating violence, President William Ruto issued a directive that shocked many both within Kenya and internationally.
“Anyone who burns down someone else’s business and property, let them be shot in the leg and go to the hospital as they head to court. Yes, let them not kill, but shoot and break the legs. Destroying people’s property is not right,”
declared President Ruto. This order to police—to shoot rioters in the legs rather than kill—was intended as a middle ground between allowing unchecked violence and lethal force. However, it has been widely criticized as a gross violation of human rights and an endorsement of state-sanctioned violence.
Ruto further warned that attacks on police and security installations would be treated as acts of terrorism, signaling a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of dissent. This rhetoric has been seen by many as an attempt to criminalize protest and justify excessive use of force.
Human Rights Concerns and Reactions
Human rights organizations were quick to condemn the government’s response. The KNCHR documented the extent of the crackdown, reporting 31 deaths, 107 injuries, 532 arrests, and two enforced disappearances during the protests. The commission highlighted the use of live ammunition and the resurgence of extrajudicial policing units operating with impunity. The presence of masked, unidentifiable police officers further exacerbated fears of unchecked brutality.
Amnesty International and the Law Society of Kenya also voiced strong opposition to the government’s tactics. They condemned the deployment of heavily armed police forces in violation of court orders and called for the suspension and prosecution of officers implicated in abuses. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urged Kenyan authorities to respect the rights to peaceful assembly and expression and to address the root causes of the unrest.
The use of live ammunition and the directive to shoot protesters in the legs have been described by many as disproportionate and cruel. Medical professionals and civil society groups condemned the blocking of roads, which prevented emergency services from reaching the injured, worsening the humanitarian impact.
Opposition and Civil Society: A Call for Accountability
Opposition leaders have accused the government of unleashing state-sponsored violence to suppress dissent. They allege that rogue security personnel and government-backed gangs have been used to intimidate and silence protesters. One opposition leader described the regime as “dangerous, intolerant, and unaccountable,” calling for legal action and private prosecutions against those responsible for the violence.
The opposition also called for a national boycott of businesses and services linked to the Ruto administration, signaling a deepening political divide. Raila Odinga, a prominent opposition figure, condemned the repression and urged for an urgent national dialogue to address youth grievances and safeguard civil liberties.
Civil society groups played a critical role during the protests, organizing peaceful demonstrations and providing medical aid despite government roadblocks. Youth-led movements, largely coordinated through social media, emphasized non-violent resistance even as they faced brutal crackdowns.
Economic Impact and Business Community Response
The protests had a significant economic impact, particularly in Nairobi and other major towns where businesses shut down due to fear of looting and violence. Many business owners resorted to forming their own security teams, armed with clubs and other weapons, to protect their premises. This breakdown in public order not only disrupted daily life but also threatened investor confidence and economic growth.
The economic fallout from the protests is likely to be felt for months, if not years, as the government grapples with restoring stability and rebuilding trust with the private sector.
International Reaction and Implications
International human rights groups and the United Nations have condemned the Kenyan government’s use of excessive force. There have been calls for independent investigations into the killings and abuses, as well as demands for accountability at the highest levels of government. The international community’s scrutiny adds pressure on Kenya to uphold its constitutional and international human rights obligations.
The events in Kenya also resonate beyond its borders, highlighting broader challenges faced by many African nations where governments struggle to balance security concerns with respect for civil liberties.
The Broader Implications for Kenya’s Democracy
The Saba Saba protests and the government’s response underscore a worrying trend in Kenya’s democratic trajectory. The use of force to suppress dissent, the criminalization of protest, and the erosion of civil liberties threaten the foundations of democratic governance.
The directive to shoot protesters in the legs, while framed as a humane alternative to killing, nevertheless legitimizes violence against citizens exercising their right to protest. It raises profound ethical and legal questions about the role of the state and the limits of police power.
Moreover, the resurgence of extrajudicial policing units and the use of masked officers operating without accountability suggest a regression to authoritarian practices that many Kenyans hoped were behind them.
Navigating a Path Forward
Kenya stands at a crossroads. The Saba Saba protests have laid bare deep-seated frustrations with governance, economic inequality, and police brutality. The government’s response, particularly President Ruto’s order to shoot rioters in the legs, has only intensified these tensions.
Moving forward, it is imperative that the Kenyan government engages in genuine dialogue with all stakeholders, including opposition leaders, civil society, and youth groups. Accountability for human rights abuses must be prioritized to restore public trust and uphold the rule of law.
As the country seeks to heal, the international community’s role in supporting human rights and democratic governance will be crucial. Kenya’s experience serves as a stark reminder that the right to peaceful protest is fundamental and that state violence, no matter how justified by security concerns, undermines the very fabric of democracy.
This analysis highlights the complexity of the Saba Saba protests and the multifaceted responses from the government, civil society, opposition, and international actors. It underscores the urgent need for Kenya to reconcile security imperatives with human rights and democratic principles to ensure a peaceful and just future for all its citizens.
Kenyan president orders police to shoot Gen Z protesters in the legs
Kenya’s president has ordered police to shoot Gen Z protesters vandalising businesses in the legs, ensuring they are debilitated but not killed. At least 31 people were killed and more than 100 others wounded in protests on Monday, with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights documenting at least 532 arrests and two forced disappearances. The UN criticised the Kenyan police for using “lethal ammunition” against protesters and urged prompt, thorough and independent investigations into the killings. A total of 50 people have died and hundreds have been injured in the past two weeks during two separate waves of demonstrations. The escalation of violence is the latest in a wider wave of protests, initially led by so-called Gen Z dissenters angry at the state of the economy, corruption and police brutality. Last summer, young Kenyan professionals took to social media to call for a “Gen Z uprising” over proposed tax rises, which triggered widespread anger in a country grappling with a significant youth unemployment crisis. The latest tensions peaked last month when the death of blogger Albert Obwang in police custody provoked outrage across the country.
William Ruto declared on Wednesday that “anyone caught burning another person’s business or property should be shot in the leg, hospitalised and later taken to court. Don’t kill them, but ensure their legs are broken”.
The UN has accused Kenyan police of using excessive force including live ammunition, tear gas and rubber bullets in the latest wave of anti-government protests, as simmering anger against Mr Ruto’s government erupted into clashes between protesters and police in the capital Nairobi and other cities.
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He accused protesters of trying to “bring disaster” to Kenya in a bid to overthrow the government before the 2027 elections.
“This country will not be destroyed by a few people who are impatient and who want a change of government using unconstitutional means. It is not going to happen,” Mr Ruto added.
The escalation of violence is the latest in a wider wave of protests, initially led by so-called Gen Z dissenters angry at the state of the economy, corruption and police brutality.
Last summer, young Kenyan professionals took to social media to call for a “Gen Z uprising” over proposed tax rises, which triggered widespread anger in a country grappling with a significant youth unemployment crisis.
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Protesters briefly seized control of the parliament and set it ablaze following a week of countrywide riots that killed at least 27 people. Mr Ruto later pulled the tax plans.
The latest tensions peaked last month when the death of blogger Albert Obwang in police custody provoked outrage across the country at Mr Ruto’s government, with rights groups demanding that police be held accountable after a post-mortem examination revealed the probable cause of death was from being hit on the head.
A total of 50 people have died and hundreds have been injured in the past two weeks during two separate waves of demonstrations.
At least 31 people were killed and more than 100 others wounded in protests on Monday, with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights also documenting at least 532 arrests and two forced disappearances.
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The UN criticised the Kenyan police for using “lethal ammunition” against protesters and urged prompt, thorough and independent investigations into the killings.
Resistance leaders accused the government of deploying unmarked police vehicles to transport armed gangs to perceived opposition strongholds during the protests and called for a national boycott of all businesses affiliated with Mr Ruto’s administration.
Protesters run to take cover as a Kenya police water cannon truck bears down on them – Luis Tato/AFP via Getty
Ravina Shamdasani, a spokesman for the UN high commissioner for human rights, said in a news conference: “It is essential that legitimate grievances at the root of these protests are addressed.”
Mr Ruto has defended police brutality and on Wednesday said that attacks on security forces would be seen as a “declaration of war”.
‘Don’t kill them, but ensure their legs are broken,’ William Ruto instructed police over young protesters – Monicah Mwangi/Reuters
“You cannot sponsor violence and go scot-free,” he said, adding: “Kenya cannot and will not be ruled through threats, terror, or chaos. Not under my watch.”
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Monday’s protests were intended to commemorate Kenya’s decades-long struggle for democracy – they fell on Saba Saba day, which in Swahili means “Seven Seven”, referring to the July 7 1990 protests – but they quickly escalated into deadly clashes in 17 out of the country’s 47 counties, local media reported.
Many of those demonstrating chanted “Ruto must go” and “wantam”, meaning “one term”, a popular rallying call demanding Mr Ruto leave office.
Mr Ruto has questioned why some Kenyans have been more critical of his administration than previous governments, claiming that the youth unemployment crisis was deep rooted and existed long before he came to power in 2022. He said that his administration was the first to take concrete steps to address it.
“Why cause all the chaos during my time?” Mr Ruto asked. “You can call me whatever names you want to call me, but I will make sure there is peace and stability in Kenya.”
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Kenya’s Saba Saba protests: President William Ruto orders police to shoot rioters targeting businesses in the legs
‘Shoot in the leg’ – Kenyan leader orders police to curb violent protests. President William Ruto urged his political rivals to wait for the 2017 elections. 31 people were killed on Monday, according to a state-run body. More than 100 people were injured and about 532 arrested in the protests which hit the capital Nairobi and other major cities. The UN and human rights groups have accused the police of using excessive force in the recent wave of anti-government protests – 31 people died on Monday. But in an address on Wednesday, Ruto defended the police action, saying an attack on security forces would be a “declaration of war” against the country. There has been rising tension in the country since the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody last month brought people back onto the streets. Rising economic challenges have fanned anger in a country where youth unemployment and the quality of jobs remain significant concerns. But former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has denied claims that the opposition was planning to overthrow Ruto.
President William Ruto urged his political rivals to wait for the 2017 elections
He further warned his political rivals against sponsoring and using violent protests and “unlawful” means to forcibly remove him from power.
“Anyone caught burning another person’s business or property should be shot in the leg, hospitalised, and later taken to court. Don’t kill them, but ensure their legs are broken,” the president said.
The UN and human rights groups have accused the police of using excessive force in the recent wave of anti-government protests – 31 people were killed on Monday, according to a state-run body.
Kenya’s President William Ruto has ordered police to shoot protesters targeting businesses in the legs, ensuring they are incapacitated but not killed.
In addition to the 31 deaths, more than 100 people were injured and about 532 arrested in the protests which hit the capital Nairobi and other major cities, said the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
The Kenya police says that 11 people died.
The UN said it was deeply troubled by the killings and criticised the Kenyan police for using “lethal ammunition” against protesters.
But in an address on Wednesday, Ruto defended the police action, saying an attack on security forces would be a “declaration of war” against the country.
“Kenya cannot and will not be ruled through threats, terror, or chaos. Not under my watch,” the president said, vowing to “firmly” deal with those behind the protests.
He said any change of government was only possible through the ballot and not through protests, urging his opponents to wait for the 2027 general elections.
“This country will not be destroyed by a few people who are impatient and who want a change of government using unconstitutional means. It is not going to happen,” Ruto added.
Speaking to the BBC World Service’s Newshour, government spokesman Gabriel Muthuma accepted there had been incidents of excessive force by police, adding that some policemen were under investigation.
But he claimed that Ruto’s order to shoot protesters in the legs should be viewed in the context that “we’ve had people who have now taken up to go and burn the police stations…to go and burn people’s property and sometimes actually injure the police.”
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has denied claims that the opposition was planning to overthrow Ruto.
“Nobody wants you out of government unconstitutionally. We want to face you on the ballot in August 2027, so just relax,” said Gachagua, who was elected alongside Ruto in 2022 but was impeached last year after the pair fell out.
There has been rising tension in the country since the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody last month brought people back onto the streets, a year after young protesters stormed parliament angered by a wave of tax rises.
Rising economic challenges have fanned anger in a country where youth unemployment and the quality of jobs remain significant concerns.
Ruto acknowledged the youth unemployment crisis in the country but said the job challenges had existed long before he came to power in 2022. He said that his administration was the first to take deliberate steps to address it.
The 58-year-old leader questioned why some Kenyans have been more critical and confrontational towards his administration compared to previous governments.
“Why cause all the chaos during my time? Ruto asked rhetorically, warning against ethnic politics.
“You can call me whatever names you want to call me, but I will make sure there is peace and stability in Kenya.”
Monday’s protests were intended to commemorate Kenya’s decades-long struggle for democracy but they quickly escalated into deadly clashes in 17 out of the country’s 47 counties, local media reported.
Many of those demonstrating chanted “Ruto must go” and “wantam”, meaning “one term”, a popular rallying call demanding President Ruto leave office.
In a statement issued on late Tuesday, the KNCHR said the sharp rise in the death toll was “deeply troubling”.
“The KNCHR strongly condemns all human rights violations and urges accountability from all responsible parties, including police, civilians and all other stakeholders,” it added.
The commission also documented widespread looting and destruction of both public and private property by unidentified individuals.
Among those killed was a 12-year-old pupil who was hit by a stray bullet while at home in Kiambu, in the outskirts of the capital, local media reported.
“It is very concerning that these latest incidents come barely two weeks after more than 15 protesters were reportedly killed and many more injured in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya on 25 June,” said Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
“Lethal ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons were used,” Shamdasani added.
At least two hospitals were damaged after unidentified attackers raided the facilities and stole medical equipment and harassed staff, Reuters news agency reported.
Religious and rights groups have demanded a prompt and independent investigation into the killings, destruction of property and arbitrary arrests.
Opposition leaders on Tuesday accused the government of deploying unmarked police vehicles to transport armed gangs to perceived opposition strongholds during the protests.
They called for a national boycott of all businesses affiliated with President Ruto’s administration, accusing his government of deploying state-sponsored violence and extrajudicial killings on Kenyans.
“This regime is hostile. It cannot be reasoned with. It must be resisted. We will not rest. We will not retreat. We will not surrender,” the opposition said in a joint statement.
Kenya’s Chief Justice Martha Koome has cautioned the country against the increasingly violent protests, saying they risked the nation’s democratic fabric.
Kenya’s Saba Saba protests: President William Ruto order police to shoot rioters for leg to control protest
‘Shoot dia leg’ – Kenya president order police to control violent protests. President William Ruto tell im political rivals to wait for elections in 2027. UN and human rights groups accuse di police of using too much force for di recent wave of anti-goment protests. 31 die on Monday, according to one join body for di state. But for one address on Wednesday, Ruto defend di police action, e say attack on security forces is a “declaration of war” against di kontri, he adds. ‘Kenya no fit and no go dey ruled through threats, terror, or chaos. No be under my watch,” he says, adding that he will “firmly” deal with those wey behind protests. ‘Why una dey cause all dis wahala for my time?’ Ruto asks, warning against ethnic politics. “You fit call me any name you want call me,” he adds, “Make sure say peace and stability dey Kenya”
Wia dis foto come from, State House Kenya/Facebook Wetin we call dis foto, President William Ruto tell im political rivals to wait for elections
Author, Wycliffe Muia Role, BBC News, Nairobi
9 July 2025
Kenya President William Ruto don order police to shoot protesters for leg wey dey target businesses, e tell police say make dem no kill dem but wound dem.
UN and human rights groups bin accuse di police of using too much force for di recent wave of anti-goment protests – 31 die on Monday, according to one join body for di state.
Di president say “Anybody wey we catch dey burn anoda pesin business or property police go shoot dia leg, dem go carry dem go hospital, and later take dem to court. No kill dem, but ensure say you break dia legs,” di president tok.
Im also warn im political rivals against sponsoring and using violent protests and “unlawful” means to forcibly remove am from power.
In addition to di 31 deaths, more dan 100 pipo wunjure and about 532 chop arrest for di the protests wey happun for di capital Nairobi and oda major cities, na wetin Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) tok.
Kenya police say 11 pipo die.
Di UN say dem dey troubled by di killings and dem criticise di Kenyan police for using “lethal ammunition” against protesters.
But for one address on Wednesday, Ruto defend di police action, e say attack on security forces na “declaration of war” against di kontri.
“Kenya no fit and no go dey ruled through threats, terror, or chaos. No be under my watch,” di president tok, e vow to “firmly” deal wit those wey dey behind di protests.
Im say any change of goment go only dey possible through di ballot and no be through protests, im tell im opponents to wait for di 2027 general elections.
“Few pipo wey dey impatient wey wan use unconstitutional means no fit destroy dis kontri. E no go happen,” Ruto add.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, don deny claims say di opposition dey plan to overthrow Ruto from power.
“Nobody wan remove you out of goment unconstitutionally. We wan face you for ballot for August 2027, so just relax,” na wetin di former VP, wey dem bin impeach last year afta im bin fall out wit Ruto.
Tension don dey rise for di kontri since di death of one blogger Albert Ojwang for police custody last month.
Dis incident make pipo enta streets again one year afta young protesters bin storm parliament angered by a wave of tax rises.
Rising economic challenges dey make pipo vex for di kontri wey youth unemployment and di quality of jobs na serious concern.
Ruto gree say youth unemployment na big wahala for di kontri but im say di job challenges don dey since bifor im come to power for 2022. Im say im administration na di first to take deliberate steps to address di mata.
Di 58-year-old leader kwesion why some Kenyans dey more critical and confrontational towards im administration compared to previous goments.
“Why una dey cause all dis wahala for my time? Ruto ask, e warn against ethnic politics.
“You fit call me any name you want call me, but I go make sure say peace and stability dey Kenya.”
Di plan for Monday protests na to celebrate Kenya decades-long struggle for democracy but sharp- sharp e change into deadly clashes for 17 out of di kontri 47 counties, local media report.
Many of di pipo wey do di I-no-go-gree waka bin dey shout “Ruto must go” and “wantam”, wey mean “one term”, na popular rallying call to demand make President Ruto leave office.
For one statement wey come out late Tuesday, di KNCHR say di sharp rise for di death toll dey “deeply troubling”.
“Di KNCHR strongly condemn all human rights violations and dem ask for accountability from all responsible parties, including police, civilians and all oda stakeholders,” e add.
Di commission also document widespread looting and destruction of both public and private property by unidentified individuals.
Among those wey dem kill na one 12-year-old student wey stray bullet hit for im house for Kiambu, wey dey di outskirts of di capital, na wetin local media report.
“E dey very concerning say these latest incidents dey come barely two weeks afta more dan 15 protesters die and many more injure for Nairobi and oda parts of Kenya on 25 June,” na wetin Ravina Shamdasani, di tok-tok pesin for di UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
“Lethal ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons na dem use,” Shamdasani add put.
At least two hospitals bin dey damaged afta unidentified attackers raid di facilities and steal medical equipment and harassed staff, Reuters news agency report.
Religious and rights groups don demand for a prompt and independent investigation into di killings, destruction of property and arbitrary arrests.
Opposition leaders on Tuesday bin accuse di goment of deploying unmarked police vehicles to transport armed gangs to perceived opposition strongholds during di protests.
Dem call for a national boycott of all businesses wey dey affiliated wit President Ruto administration, dem accuse im goment of deploying state-sponsored violence and extrajudicial killings on Kenyans.
“Dis regime dey hostile. You no fit reasoned wit dem. We must resist dem. We no go rest. We no go stop. We no go surrender,” di opposition t ok for inside joint statement.