Kenyan President William Ruto told police to shoot protesters in the legs during a shocking speech on Wednesday. The controversial leader made the statement two days after 31 people died in violent anti-government demonstrations across the country. Ruto said anyone who burns other people's property should be shot in the leg and sent to the hospital before going to court. He stressed that officers should not kill protesters but should break their legs to stop them. The president's comments came after police used tear gas and water cannons to break up crowds in the capital Nairobi.
Angry protesters have been taking to the streets after a political blogger died in police custody last month. The demonstrations have reignited a movement driven by frustration over rising living costs and alleged police brutality. Most protesters are young adults who cannot find jobs and organize through social media platforms. They want Ruto to serve only one term as president. The leader won power nearly three years ago by promising to help the poor and end unlawful killings by police.
Ruto's government has responded to growing public anger with tough rhetoric and force. His interior minister called the protests a coup attempt by criminal anarchists. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported that criminal gangs with whips and machetes worked alongside police during Monday's protests. Ruto later posted on social media that protesters who attack people and businesses are terrorists making war on the country.
Angry protesters have been taking to the streets after a political blogger died in police custody last month. The demonstrations have reignited a movement driven by frustration over rising living costs and alleged police brutality. Most protesters are young adults who cannot find jobs and organize through social media platforms. They want Ruto to serve only one term as president. The leader won power nearly three years ago by promising to help the poor and end unlawful killings by police.
Ruto's government has responded to growing public anger with tough rhetoric and force. His interior minister called the protests a coup attempt by criminal anarchists. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported that criminal gangs with whips and machetes worked alongside police during Monday's protests. Ruto later posted on social media that protesters who attack people and businesses are terrorists making war on the country.
