In a powerful statement released on Friday, July 11, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga addressed the pressing issue of police conduct during civil unrest. His remarks come at a crucial moment as tensions rise across the nation. Raila's message is clear: the use of excessive force against citizens is indefensible.
The former PM, who is currently part of a broad-based government alongside President William Ruto, emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law. “Any orders or instructions to the police to shoot to kill, maim, disorient, or shock citizens are wrong,” Raila stated emphatically. His comments resonate with the need for compassion and fairness in law enforcement, especially in situations where public demonstrations occur.
Raila’s statement reflects a growing concern among citizens and advocates for human rights, highlighting the need for balance in law enforcement. He urged the nation to choose the rule of law and due process over the temptation to grant police sweeping and deadly powers. “As a country, we must at all times opt for the Rule of Law and reject the temptation to give police illegitimate and deadly powers over citizens, even when the citizens are perceived to have broken the law,” he added.
On Wednesday, July 9, President William Ruto made a controversial address to police during the launch of the Police Housing Project at Kilimani Police Station in Nairobi. He issued explicit orders authorizing law enforcement to use force against individuals participating in violent demonstrations, specifically instructing them to shoot such individuals in the leg. Ruto stated, “Anyone deciding to storm a person’s business or a police station should be shot in the leg. Thereafter, they can go to court and see what follows next.”
Visible agitation marked Ruto's comments as he condemned unnamed individuals for allegedly sponsoring chaos and protests that have emerged in recent weeks. He emphasized that the government would not tolerate actions aimed at destabilizing the nation. “I have been quiet, and I have tolerated these people who want to change the government using unconstitutional means, but enough is enough,” Ruto declared.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga expressed strong objections to President Ruto’s recent statements regarding the treatment of violent protesters. He urged the government to focus on addressing the situation through lawful arrests and court arraignments, emphasizing that such an approach would uphold the dignity and human rights of suspects while enhancing the credibility of the State's actions.
“We are all better served as a country when we adhere to the principle that everyone is innocent until proven guilty; a determination that can only be made by a competent court of law,” Raila emphasized.
Raila also raised concerns about the militarization of police, calling for the complete abolition of the orders allowing police to use excessive force. “As a country, we should do everything to avoid a militarized approach to policing,” he stated. He pointed out that examples from across the continent demonstrate that this style of law enforcement often leads to escalating violence.
The backdrop for these remarks is a period of growing national tension, characterized by youth-led protests against government policies. Calls for accountability and reform are intensifying, making the discourse around police conduct even more critical.
Raila’s sentiments sparked significant debate around human rights, particularly in light of recent abuses. A report from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) revealed that the death toll from the Saba Saba Day protests on Monday, July 7, has tragically risen to 31.
