President Ruto during an Interview on Aljazeera. Courtesy://Aljazeera
President William Ruto finds himself increasingly criticized by different quarters for his defense of the “shoot-on-the leg” operation that he ordered the security forces to carry out during the anti-government protests that happened in the past.
The president, speaking to Al Jazeera on an interview the interview aired on Saturday, November 9, 2025, insisted that the order was warranted as it was meant to keep peace and protect public property, hence the he did not regret issuing it. He, however, received this criticism in response from the civil society community and political opposition.
Various human rights groups have come out to say that such comments are “deeply disturbing” because the kinds of statements Ruto makes in his comments lead to the acceptation of the use of excessive force as a norm. The opposition has responded to these statements by saying that the president through his comments is playing a double game as he is at the same time undermining the rule of law and accountability in the hands of the police forces.
Ruto’s unyielding position, according to political commentators, is likely to exacerbate the division existing among Kenyans as the next general elections of 2027 are drawing near. The statements can damage his image not just locally but internationally as well at the time when Kenya is branding herself as a leader in resolving conflicts in the East African region.
Meanwhile, there is talk of good and bad, among the locals of Nakuru and other urban centers, on the approach and handling of the storm of the day. Some people affirm the use of heavy-handed measures while others say that it is high time victims of police brutality were heard, and justice prevailed.
The debate has now reached its climax and in the middle of it, the government is called upon to respect human rights and democratic freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution of Kenya.
