Former KNUT Secretary-General Wilson Sossion has dismissed claims that President William Ruto’s remarks—directing police to shoot criminals who loot property—were harsh or uncalled for.
Speaking during an interview on a local TV station, Sossion defended the President, saying his response was necessary in the face of rising unrest.
“You cannot expect the President to clap for chaos, admire the destruction of property, or recite poetry over anarchy. That is not going to work,” he said.
Referring to Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to peacefully assemble, picket, and petition, Sossion argued that recent protests had gone beyond constitutional limits.
He said the violent actions by some demonstrators resemble acts of terror, and the President cannot afford to stay silent.
“When the country is under terror, you cannot expect the President to keep quiet.”
Sossion insisted the President is constitutionally mandated to uphold law and order as provided under Article 131 of the Constitution, and that his recent remarks should not be dismissed.
“That is a presidential position. It is constitutional because the President is vested with such authority. You cannot expect him to keep quiet and watch the country slide into anarchy.”
He also defended the President’s tone, saying it reflects the gravity of the situation.
“There is nothing wrong with the President’s tone. That is how he is feeling, and he has made his statement very clearly. We cannot elect to go down the path of destruction and anarchy.”
Ruto on July 9 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.
