Kenya’s President William Ruto has directed police to shoot protesters in the leg if they are caught attacking or destroying businesses during demonstrations.
He said this would disable them without killing them, as a way to deal with the rising violence linked to anti-government protests.
This decision comes after a fresh wave of unrest swept through Nairobi and other major cities, resulting in deaths, injuries, and mass arrests.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 31 people died on Monday alone, while over 100 were injured and more than 500 arrested.
However, police officials claimed only 11 people lost their lives.
The demonstrations, which began as a protest against economic hardship and tax increases, turned violent in several counties.
Some demonstrators chanted slogans demanding the president’s resignation and calling for a one-term presidency.
International groups including the United Nations and human rights organisations have condemned the use of deadly force by the police.
The UN said it was concerned about the use of live bullets and excessive force on citizens, especially after the death of a 12-year-old who was hit by a stray bullet at home in Kiambu.
The recent protests were also sparked by the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody.
His death renewed public anger against the authorities, a year after youth-led protests stormed parliament over tax hikes.
President Ruto, in a national address on Wednesday, supported the police’s response and warned opposition politicians against sponsoring unrest.
He said any attempt to remove him from power outside the ballot box would fail.
He urged his critics to wait for the next general election in 2027 and insisted that peace and order must be maintained.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, now in opposition after falling out with Ruto, denied any plan to overthrow the government, saying the opposition only wants to defeat Ruto through elections.