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Shoot to kill directive 2025

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Context, Constitutional Implications and Youth Response

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Kids dancing to Risasi ya mguu song https://www.tiktok.com/@motivatedmindsetdancers/video/7525904276674186552?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Risasi ya mguu challenge Kenya
Risasi ya mguu challenge Kenya
Risasi ya mguu challenge Kenya

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: July 9, 2025
  • Quoted Statement: "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."

“…The police are trained to deal with criminals. They are not trained in parenting. So if you surrender your children to the police, what do you expect? No, please, every parent, including me, I take time to parent my children. And so must everybody. AIC Bomani, Machakos, 20 July 2025”

https://citizen.digital/news/dont-kill-them-shoot-them-in-the-leg-ruto-tells-police-on-protest-violence-n365987

Kipchumba Murkomen – Cabinet Secretary for the Interior and National Administration

  • Date: June, 2025
  • Quoted Statement: “"Askari, fanya kazi yako. Tumia bunduki yako vizuri. Ukiona mtu anaharibu mali ya serikali, risasi moja. Tuko nyuma yenu. Tutaenda kotini pamoja.”

(Translation: "Police officer, do your job. Use your firearm properly. If you see someone destroying government property, one bullet. We are behind you. We will go to court with you.") https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19g5zZUmp6/ * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oJUAvsHu1Q, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvKoHjVJO8U

Nelson Koech – MP, Belgut

  • Date: July, 2025
  • Quoted Statement: “I want to thank President William Ruto for saying yesterday, shoot but do not kill. I want to repeat it here. In fact, shoot and kill. You cannot have someone coming after your life, and you do not want to shoot and kill"

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001523931/shoot-and-kill-belgut-mp-urges-lethal-force-against-rioters

Didmus Barasa – MP, Kimilili

What the constitution says

📜 1. - Right to Life – Article 26

“Every person has the right to life.” — Article 26(1) “A person shall not be deprived of life intentionally, except to the extent authorized by this Constitution or other written law.” — Article 26(3)

🕊️ 2. Freedom of Assembly, Demonstration and Petition – Article 37

“Every person has the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities.” — Article 37

👮 3. Use of Force by Police – Article 244 & National Police Service Act

“The National Police Service shall comply with constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms.” — Article 244(c) “...Shall strive for the highest standards of professionalism and discipline among its members.” — Article 244(d)

The National Police Service Standing Orders further require that use of force must be:

  • Proportionate
  • Necessary
  • Justifiable
  • A last resort

⚖️ 4. Human Dignity & Protection from Torture – Articles 28 and 29

“Every person has inherent dignity and the right to have that dignity respected and protected.” — Article 28 “Every person has the right to freedom and security... which includes the right not to be treated or punished in a cruel, inhuman or degrading manner.” — Article 29(f)

🗳️ 5. Sovereignty of the People – Article 1

“All sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya and shall be exercised only in accordance with this Constitution.” — Article 1(1)

⚖️ 6. Presumption of Innocence in Kenyan Law - Article 50

In Kenyan law, the right to a fair trial — including the presumption of innocence — is firmly protected under the Kenya 2010 constitution.

Article 50(2)(a) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 states:

"Every accused person has the right to a fair trial, which includes the right—

(a) to be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved;"

This means that:

  • An accused person does not have to prove their innocence.
  • The burden of proof rests on the prosecution.
  • The prosecution must prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.
  • Any doubt must be resolved in favour of the accused.

Principles of a Fair Trial in Kenya

  • Fair hearing: Conducted before an independent and impartial court.
  • Legal representation: The accused has the right to choose and be represented by a legal practitioner.
  • Disclosure of evidence: The prosecution is required to disclose all relevant evidence to the defence.
  • Timely trial: The trial must be conducted without unreasonable delay.


The Kenyan Constitution strictly prohibits shoot-to-kill directives against unarmed protesters. Peaceful protest is a protected right, and any state response must be lawful, measured, and grounded in respect for human rights.

📜 International law violations

Why It Matters to the young people

State‑sanctioned violence Normalizes use of guns against civilians, even non‑violent ones.
Injury & disability Leg-shots can result in death or lifelong physical harm denying you and your family a dignified life.
Legal crossover Violates constitutional and human rights standards.
Impunity Few investigations or prosecutions when injuries/deaths occur.
Political symbolism Seen as method to momentarily suppress protest, avoid being held accountable and not resolve causes.
Context of ongoing repression Adds to existing memory of protest killings and abductions.

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 and youth response

  • 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.
  • A song Risasi Kwa Mguu was introduced *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah_CUS8Ru44, * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXBwi8Eqg7s

Consequences of Shoot-to-Kill Orders in Kenya (2024–2025)

🩸 Human Cost: Shoot-to-Kill Consequences

📍 Number of People Shot and Killed in 2025 Kenyan Protest

On June 17, Boniface Kariuki, a street vendor, was shot in the head by police during protests sparked by the death of blogger Albert Ojwang. He later died in hospital.[1]

June 25 Nationwide Protests

On June 25, at least 16 people were killed across Kenya, most by police gunfire during anti-government demonstrations. Rights groups such as Amnesty International Kenya and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed the toll.[2]

Other human rights groups reported at least 16 shot dead and over 400 injured.[3]

July 7 “Saba Saba” Protests

During the July 7 "Saba Saba" protests, estimates of deaths varied widely:

  • KNCHR confirmed 10 deaths and 29 injuries.[4]
  • Reuters also reported at least 11 confirmed killed.[5]
  • AP News stated that 31 people were killed nationwide during the protests.[6]

According to *The Guardian*, President William Ruto had reportedly told police to "shoot them in the leg" during escalating protests, amid criticism of excessive force.[7]

Cumulative Death Toll

Wikipedia and other aggregators have reported that between 50 and 70 people have been killed in protests since mid-June 2025, with the July 7 protests contributing between 10 and 38 of those deaths.[8]

🔫 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.

⚖️ Accountability Status

No update

📜 Impact on Society

  • Growing public distrust in the government and security forces.

References

References on Violations of Child Protection Rights

Other sources

  1. ↑ Kenyan civilian shot at close range by police during protests dies – AP News
  2. ↑ Kenyans brace for protests one year after storming parliament – Reuters
  3. ↑ Kenyan Protest Violence Escalates – Human Rights Watch on YouTube
  4. ↑ Kenya human rights watchdog says 10 killed, 29 hurt – Reuters
  5. ↑ Police block roads in Kenyan capital on anniversary of protests – Reuters
  6. ↑ Kenya protests death toll rises to 31 – AP News
  7. ↑ 'Shoot them in the leg': Kenyan president's rhetoric hardens – The Guardian
  8. ↑ 2025 Kenyan protests – Wikipedia
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