MP Opposes Ruto, Urges Police To 'Shoot And Kill' Goons

National Assembly Defence Committee Chair Nelson Koech has argued that police should “shoot to kill” rather than “shoot to injure,” as President William Ruto previously suggested, when dealing with individuals attempting to breach restricted areas during protests.

Speaking at a public event on Thursday, June 10, the Belgut Member of Parliament (MP) insisted that officers should apply maximum force against what he called “criminals” threatening the security of critical government institutions like Parliament and State House.

He also emphasised that police have the constitutional right to use their firearms in self-defence or to protect the lives of Kenyans when faced with imminent danger.

National Assembly Defence Committee Chair Nelson Koech during a past interview with Citizen TV. /CITIZEN DIGITAL

"I want to appreciate the president for what he did, but he said that the police should shoot but not kill, but I would like to say that the police should shoot to kill, because there is no way a police officer should just wait for someone to come and threaten him and his family and tell me that you can't shoot to kill," Koech said.

Adding "The constitution, through the police act, has given the police the power to use their arms where they have evaluated that their lives are in danger. The people who have been terrorising people are not ordinary people, because if someone claims that he is going to the statehouse, he is a criminal."

Koech also stated that the government is actively pursuing those responsible for property damage and loss of life during the recent protests.

He added that despite facing challenges, President William Ruto’s administration remains steadfast in its commitment to serving the Kenyan people.

"I hear people saying that this government will only be here for one term, but I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to ensure that we remain in power for two terms. At this point, everyone should ensure that the country has peace and not violence," Ruto said.

Koech's comments come a day after President Ruto, while addressing officers during the launch of the Police Housing Project at Kilimani Police Station in Nairobi, ordered police to use force selectively by shooting individuals involved in the destruction of property during protests in the leg to immobilise them.

In a stern statement, the President declared that the government would no longer tolerate certain unnamed individuals he accused of funding unrest and protests across the country.

“To those leaders sponsoring violence, we are coming for you. Anyone who attacks a police officer or a police station will face the full force of the law."

"This is a declaration of war against lawlessness. I will not hesitate to protect the lives and property of our citizens," he said, adding, “Anyone who attempts to destroy or burn businesses should be shot in the leg to stop them.”

During Monday’s Saba Saba demonstrations, the National Police Service (NPS) reported that at least 31 people had died and 63 others—both civilians and police officers—were injured.

Police also confirmed that 567 people were arrested nationwide during the protests, according to a statement issued on Monday, July 7.