Rigathi Gachagua Condemns President Ruto’s 'Shoot on the Leg' Order, Threatens ICC Action

 

In a scathing statement released Tuesday evening, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a fierce attack against President William Ruto, accusing him of overseeing state-sponsored violence and ordering security forces to shoot unarmed protesters.

Gachagua, who is currently in the United States, issued the remarks in response to Ruto’s controversial directive reportedly instructing police to shoot protesters “on the legs” to contain unrest during the recent nationwide demonstrations.

“Give us a break! How do we report state-sponsored militia and those who organized them to the police who supervised them as they burned and looted property?” Gachagua posed in a sharply worded statement.

The former Deputy President did not mince words, directly accusing President Ruto of being personally responsible for unleashing violence on citizens who had supported his rise to power.

“You are asking us to name those who organised? I named you as the person responsible for unleashing violence against the community that made you President,” he stated.

Gachagua’s remarks come amid growing public outrage over alleged police brutality during the June 25 Saba Saba Memorial protests and subsequent youth-led demonstrations across the country. Civil society groups and human rights organizations have condemned the government's heavy-handed tactics, including reports of live ammunition being used on peaceful protesters.

“You have even gone further to add insult to injury by directing them to shoot innocent Kenyans on the legs,” Gachagua said. “You could not even send condolences to the dead. You lack feelings and humanity.”

In an especially dramatic turn, Gachagua threatened to escalate the matter to the International Criminal Court (ICC)—a move loaded with historical significance, as President Ruto previously faced charges at The Hague over post-election violence in 2007–08 before they were dropped.

“We shall report you not to the Kenyan police, but to the International Criminal Court—an address you are familiar with,” Gachagua warned.

This public rebuke signals a dramatic and possibly irreversible breakdown in relations between Ruto and his former deputy. Once a loyal lieutenant, Gachagua has in recent months increasingly distanced himself from the administration, and now appears to be positioning himself as a leading voice of dissent.