Ruto Declares War, Gives New Shoot Order To Police
Ruto made the remarks on Wednesday, July 9 while addressing officers during the launch of the Police Housing Project at Kilimani Police Station in Nairobi.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
President William Ruto has issued orders to police in dealing with individuals involved in the destruction of property during protests, with instructions to use force selectively by shooting attackers in the leg to immobilise them.
Ruto made the remarks on Wednesday, July 9, while addressing officers during the launch of the Police Housing Project at Kilimani Police Station in Nairobi.
“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.”
Anybody who goes and attacks the police or a police station is a declaration of war in the Republic of Kenya- President Ruto pic.twitter.com/86wINYELHG — Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) July 9, 2025
The President, clearly frustrated, blasted unnamed figures he claimed were behind the recent wave of unrest and protests nationwide, warning that the government would no longer allow efforts aimed at undermining the country’s stability.
“I have been quiet, and I have tolerated these people who want to change the government using unconstitutional means—but enough is enough,” Ruto stated.
“We will not allow it. We are coming for you. Those plotting to remove me from office before 2027 must know we will not let them destroy this country through unconstitutional means.”
He also called for mutual respect between the public and state institutions, stressing the importance of maintaining law and order. He warned that anyone exploiting protests to engage in criminal activities would face consequences.
Ruto argued that using youth unemployment as an excuse to stir up unrest was unjustified, pointing out that the issue predates his administration. He assured that his government is taking active steps to tackle the problem.
The President further claimed that certain individuals were fueling ethnic divisions in a bid to destabilise his leadership, vowing not to tolerate such efforts.
“Moi, Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta were all presidents before me. So what's all the fuss about? Why are all these problems being brought to me? Why didn't Kibaki and Uhuru get this kind of treatment? Let's end all the contempt and tribalism,” Ruto added.
The President’s comments come at a time of heightened national unrest, as youth-driven protests against government policies continue gaining momentum, with growing demands for accountability and systemic reforms.
His remarks are likely to spark significant legal debate, particularly around human rights concerns, which have come under increasing scrutiny amid recent violations. A new report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) revealed that the death toll from the Saba Saba Day protests on Monday, July 7, had climbed to 31.
KNCHR Vice-Chairperson Dr. Raymond Nyeris, in a statement issued on Tuesday, July 8, confirmed that by 7 pm, the commission had recorded additional fatalities and arrests linked to the nationwide demonstrations.
