Ruto has framed the protests as a politically motivated attempt to destabilize his government - citing weeks of unrest sparked by the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, and last month’s killing of a civilian by police. He stated, “Anyone who goes to burn other people’s property… should be shot in the leg and go to the hospital on his way to court”
Yet critics argue this sets a dangerous precedent. Human rights and legal experts question whether this card-carried violence, even when “non-lethal,” doesn’t amount to state-sanctioned brutality. Some suggest it could even fuel further radicalization.
A Policeman's Dilemma
“We don’t want to harm civilians, but we fear losing control,” When mobs break storefronts, we’re expected to stop them — now whether by rubber bullet or a shot to the leg is our command.”
Says a beat officer by the civilians
The Human Toll
Behind statistics lies a fractured society. Shopkeepers board up storefronts, families weigh the cost of protest, and officers balance duty and conscience. The metaphor of breaking legs, not lives, may please on paper, but on the streets of Nairobi and beyond, the cracks of conflict run deeper than any bullet wound.