President William Ruto has directed the police to shoot on site criminals who masquerade as protesters to burn and loot businesses and people’s property.
Speaking in Kilimani during the inspection of an ongoing Police Housing project, Ruto said police should only shoot them on the legs, so they can be taken to the hospital and after charged for their criminal activities.
He insisted that Kenyans want a peaceful environment where they can do business.
The President went on to say that he cannot accept a country where some people steal and destroy other people’s businesses.
Ruto, however, warned that police must not kill innocent civilians, but criminals must be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“Tunataka amani Kenya, watu wafanye biashara. Mtu ambaye anaenda kuchoma biashara na mali ya mtu mwingine, mtu kama huyo apigwe risasi miguu, akienda hospitali, akienda kotini. Wasimuuwe lakini wapige miguu ivunjike. Hatuwezi kubali mtu anaenda kuchoma mali na biashara ya mwingine. Kuna haki hapo kweli? Askari wasipige wananchi risasi kuwaua lakini mhalifu ashughulikiwe,” the President said.
This loosely translates to, “We want peace in Kenya, people to do business. A person who is going to burn another person's business and property, such a person should be shot in the legs, taken to the hospital and then to court. They should not kill him but they should shoot the legs. We cannot accept people who burn other people's property and business. Is there really justice there? Police should not shoot citizens to kill but the criminals should be dealt with.”
Ruto issued a stern warning to all leaders involved in sponsoring the recent protests that action will be taken against them.
“We are coming after you, you cannot sponsor violence in the Republic of Kenya and expect to go scot free,” he said.
He also warned all those involved in the looting and torching of businesses, including government property, that they will not be spared in the crackdown.
He condemned the attacks on police officers and security installations, terming them acts of terrorism and a direct declaration of war.
