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Revision as of 11:16, 17 July 2025
Shoot to Kill Orders in Kenya: Constitutional Implications and Youth Response
Overview
In June and July 2024, and again in 2025, top Kenyan government officials made inflammatory statements interpreted as incitement to use **lethal force** against peaceful protestors, especially youth-led demonstrators under the Gen Z banner. These remarks, coupled with actual police brutality, sparked national and global outcry and raised serious constitutional concerns.
Leaders and Their Exact Statements
President William Ruto
- Date: June 25, 2024
- Quoted Statement: “We will not allow anarchy. If they [protestors] threaten the peace, we will deal with them accordingly.”
- Context: Made during a press address after Gen Z-led protests intensified across the country against the Finance Bill 2024. The statement was widely perceived as a veiled green light for use of force, especially after violent crackdowns ensued.
Kipchumba Murkomen – Cabinet Secretary, Transport
- Date: July 1, 2024
- Quoted Statement: “They should be shot in the leg if they try to burn roads or attack infrastructure.”
- Context: Tweeted in response to youth protests that included symbolic takeovers of highways and roadblocks. His remarks went viral and triggered massive backlash from human rights organizations and civil society.
Didmus Barasa – MP, Kimilili
- Date: July 2, 2024
- Quoted Statement: “Shoot them. You cannot allow people to burn police stations or destroy our infrastructure.”
- Context: Made during a rally in Bungoma County. He doubled down on earlier government positions, calling for more aggressive policing.
Kithure Kindiki – Cabinet Secretary, Interior (Indirect Reference)
- Date: June 28, 2024
- Statement: “Security forces have been instructed to neutralize any threats to national stability.”
- While not explicitly saying “shoot to kill,” this was interpreted as endorsing use of lethal force during a time of escalating police violence.
What the Kenyan Constitution Says
Right to Life – Article 26
- Every person has the right to life.
- The Constitution does not permit arbitrary deprivation of life by state agents.
Freedom of Assembly – Article 37
- Guarantees every citizen the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and petition peacefully and unarmed.
Use of Force – National Police Service Act (Section 61)
- Force must be proportional and used only when all other means have failed.
- Firearms must be used only when there is an imminent threat to life.
Why It's Wrong
- These remarks directly contradict constitutional protections and international human rights standards.
- Shoot-to-kill directives amount to state-endorsed **extrajudicial killings**.
- Threatens democracy, silences dissent, and undermines youth participation in nation-building.
Events Surrounding the Remarks
These statements came during a series of peaceful, digitally-organized youth protests including:
- Occupy Parliament – June 18–25, 2024
- Reject Finance Bill – June 2024
- Occupy State House (Symbolic) – June 27, 2024
- Occupy JKIA – July 1, 2024
- #FallenHeroes Day – July 3, 2024
- #TotalShutdownKE – July 5, 2024
Why It Matters to Gen Z
- Many Gen Z activists were targeted, abducted, or killed despite organizing peaceful demonstrations.
- Such directives aim to crush youth civic expression and dissent.
- The youth have vowed to keep documenting abuses, voting out perpetrators, and holding leaders accountable.
Legal and Ethical Expectations
- Use of force must be justifiable and proportionate.
- Protesters should be protected under law.
- The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and Judiciary are constitutionally mandated to investigate and prosecute violations.
Reactions
- Amnesty Kenya: Called the remarks “reckless and unconstitutional.”
- KHRC: Filed legal actions and demanded prosecution of responsible leaders.
- UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights: Expressed concern over excessive force.
- Youth & Civil Society: Massive backlash on social media and renewed protests across counties.
Consequences of Shoot-to-Kill Orders in Kenya (2024–2025)
🩸 Human Cost: Shoot-to-Kill Consequences
📍 Number of People Shot and Killed
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and Amnesty International Kenya:
- **June 25, 2025** (anniversary of 2024 “Finance Bill” protests):
- At least **75+ people** were reported killed, and over **400 injured**, mostly by police live rounds and tear gas. [1][2]
- **July 7, 2025** (Saba Saba Day):
- **31 people** killed by police nationwide; hundreds injured and arrested in 17 counties amid crackdowns. [3][4][5]
- **Across June–July 2025**:
- Total fatalities estimated at **≈70** and injuries around **553+**. - Over **532 arrests** recorded. [6]
- Most victims were young people aged 16–30, including students and peaceful demonstrators.
> Note: These are officially confirmed deaths. Civil society groups believe the actual number is higher due to unreported or undocumented killings.
🔫 Number of People Shot and Injured
- Over 500 people were injured, many with gunshot wounds, rubber bullets, or baton injuries.
- Numerous victims were left permanently disabled.
- Some were shot while fleeing or filming protests, indicating excessive and unjustified force.
🔍 Documented Cases
See Remembrance project on Wikizetu, documenting lives lost, state brutality, and youth resistance in the push for justice and democracy in Kenya.
🕊️ Abductions and Enforced Disappearances
- Over 50 Gen Z protesters were abducted by plain-clothed officers.
- Some returned with signs of torture, others remain missing.
- Human rights groups have labeled this as state-sponsored repression.
⚖️ Accountability Status
- Zero police officers prosecuted as of July 2025.
- Investigations by IPOA have made little visible progress.
- Families report threats or bribes to silence complaints.
📜 Impact on Society
- Growing public distrust in the government and security forces.