Raila condemns ‘shoot to injure or kill’ directive, urges respect for rule of law

Opposition leader Raila Odinga./File

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has condemned directive urging police officers to shoot citizens looting properties during protests.

In a statement on Friday, Raila  said that such actions go against the Constitution and the principles of justice.

“In a protest or any other environment that requires law enforcement, all the above orders to shoot to kill, maim, disorient, or shock citizens are wrong,” Raila said.

His comments come at a time when concerns have been raised over the increasing use of force by security agencies, especially during recent protests.

 Raila warned that granting police deadly powers over citizens, even those suspected of wrongdoing, is dangerous and unconstitutional.

“As a country, we must at all times opt for the Rule of Law and due process,” he said.

“We are all better served when we stick to the principle that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, a determination that can only be made by a competent court of law.”

Raila urged the government and police leadership to focus on lawful arrests and presenting suspects before courts, rather than resorting to excessive or lethal force.

“Let’s prioritize arrests and arraignment in courts over the killing, maiming, or brutalizing of suspects. This preserves the dignity and respects the human rights of suspects while at the same time confers credibility to the actions of the State,” he added.

He also warned against adopting a militarized style of policing, saying that such an approach has failed in other African countries and only leads to more violence and instability.

“As a country, we should do everything to avoid the militarized approach to policing. Examples from around the continent show that such an approach only increases the risk of violence. It endangers both the suspect and the law enforcement officers,” Raila stated.

As public attention turns to how law enforcement handles protests, Raila’s call is a reminder to uphold the Constitution, human rights, and due process.