President Ruto Disowns 'Shoot the Leg' Order, Claims Media Writes Falsehoods

Kenyan President William Ruto has appeared to distance himself from his controversial directive on July instructing police to shoot protesters in the legs.

During a high-profile interview with Al Jazeera, the President denied having the constitutional authority to issue such an instruction to law enforcement.

The President also claimed that the Kenyan media often publishes "falsehoods" and "lies" about him.

The Context: Deadly Protests and Ruto's Demand

The shift in rhetoric follows nationwide anguish and mounting criticism after Mr Ruto’s previous explicit statement.

This initial order was delivered on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, during a police housing launch in Kilimani, Nairobi.

It came swiftly after the deadly Saba Saba protests, where dozens of young demonstrators were reportedly killed by the police. Human rights groups cited at least 31 deaths and 107 injuries during those recent protests.

Addressing acts of looting and arson, President Ruto had instructed officers to use live fire, but aimed low.

READ MORE: “Shoot Them in the Leg”: Ruto’s Latest Order Sparks National Anguish Amid Youth Deaths

“Anyone who burns down someone else’s business and property, let them be shot in the leg and go to the hospital as they head to court. Let them not kill, but shoot and break the legs,”.

This statement was widely viewed by many Kenyans as state-endorsed brutality. The country’s disillusioned youth have been heavily involved in protests against the rising cost of living and soaring unemployment.

Confrontation on Al Jazeera

In a recent Al Jazeera interview, President Ruto was directly questioned about his instructions to the police. The interviewer noted that live fire is typically not used in protests.

President Ruto defended the use of force, stating he did not regret his comments because "the law allows the police to use force when other people's lives are in danger".

However, when pressed on whether the statement constituted an order to the police, Mr Ruto rejected the premise. He insisted that the police are independent.

“No, there is nowhere in the law that allows me to order the police”.

Blame Shift and Media Scrutiny

By asserting that the law does not allow him to order the police, Mr Ruto effectively placed the operational use of force squarely within the police’s independent purview.

He added that the police understand their responsibilities. He claimed he ensured police independence when he first came into office.

The interview also touched on the media’s depiction of the events, with the interviewer mentioning a Standard newspaper headline: "Rogue Ruto". Mr Ruto acknowledged that the media is independent in Kenya.

He noted that they write all manner of stuff about him. While maintaining that they have the right to express themselves, he stated that they are also free to lie.

“They are also free to lie and to churn out falsehood.”

Despite widespread outrage, Mr Ruto maintained that the police have to balance dealing with "violent criminals" who loot and burn property, alongside managing genuine protests.

His administration is currently facing accusations of responding to dissent with force rather than dialogue.