President William Ruto has defended the police response to recent protests in Kenya, insisting officers acted within the law.
Speaking to Al Jazeera on November 9, Ruto said he does not regret ordering that protesters be shot in the leg.
“I don’t regret those comments at all because the law allows the police to use force when other people’s lives are in danger,” Ruto said.
He stressed that the police operate independently and carry out their responsibilities without direct orders from the presidency.
Ruto addressed concerns over police brutality, citing the death of Albert Ojwang’ in the police custody as unacceptable.
He stated that the officers involved were held accountable and emphasized that rogue elements within the police are identified and dealt with accordingly.
In July, the President directed Kenyan police to take firm action against anyone violating the law during protests.
“Anyone who attempts to destroy or burn businesses should be shot in the leg to stop them,” Ruto said.
He further clarified that any shooting should not be intended to kill, but to incapacitate and ensure the perpetrators are restrained and taken to the hospital for treatment.
Also Read: Ruto Orders Police to Shoot Kenyans in the Leg
Ruto Defends His Tenure as President
Ruto, reflecting on his three years in office, said he has largely delivered on the promises that earned him the presidency.
He highlighted key achievements, including boosting Kenya’s economy to the sixth-largest in Africa, increasing maize production by 50 percent, reforming the sugar sector, and overhauling education and health systems.
On youth unemployment, Ruto highlighted major infrastructure projects, digital job programs that have hired 180,000 young people, and bilateral labor agreements, which have enabled 430,000 Kenyans to work abroad.
Additionally, Ruto said he would rate himself eight out of ten for meeting Kenyans’ expectations, describing his tenure as transformative, with a focus on economic growth, youth empowerment, and institutional reforms.
Also Read: Ruto Sends Message to Protestors Amid June 25 Demos
Tanzanian Elections
In Tanzania, Ruto said it was not for him to judge the state of democracy there, noting that in a democracy like Kenya, a president could never achieve 97% in an election result.
He noted that every country has its own way of doing things, but the primary goal should be to protect democracy.
Ruto described democracy as a work in progress, acknowledging that it is not always tidy or easy.
The President stated that Kenya is relatively advanced in its democratic journey, while other countries in the region are still catching up or just beginning.
He emphasized the importance of protecting democratic processes and ensuring space for alternative views without resorting the violence.
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