President William Ruto on Wednesday issued a stern directive to police officers, instructing them to shoot in the leg any individuals caught looting businesses or vandalizing property during protests.

Speaking at the commissioning of a police housing project in Kilimani, Nairobi, the President emphasized that the aim was not to kill, but to incapacitate violent offenders.

“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,” President Ruto stated.

The President also issued a strong warning to unnamed political leaders whom he accused of inciting youth to violence.

“It is leaders financing youth to carry out those acts, and we are coming after you!” he declared.

Ruto further stressed that attacks on police officers and premises, including police stations, such as those witnessed during the recent anti-Finance Bill anniversary protests on June 25, would be treated as acts of terrorism.

“Those who attack our police, security installations, including police stations, are declaring war. It is terrorism, and we are going to deal with you firmly. We cannot have a nation run by terror and governed by violence; it will not happen under my watch,” Ruto asserted.

This directive comes amidst a period of heightened public discontent in Kenya, marked by increased protests over the rising cost of living and concerns regarding crackdowns on government critics. Recent demonstrations have led to numerous deaths, injuries, and abductions.

Human rights organizations, including the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, reported 31 deaths and 107 injuries from the most recent protests on Monday, alongside widespread vandalism in at least 15 counties.

Amnesty International Kenya also reported over 16 fatalities, mostly at the hands of police, during the June 25 protests, which also saw attacks on police stations and government offices.

President Ruto’s statement echoes similar controversial remarks made by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen following the June 25 violence, who had advised police to shoot anyone approaching a police station.