Dr. Reuben Kigame Condemns President Ruto’s Remarks on “Shoot in the Leg” Order, Moves to Court Over Protest Killings

Presidential aspirant Dr. Reuben Kigame has sharply condemned remarks made by President William Ruto during an interview on Al Jazeera, in which the Head of State stated that he does not regret issuing a “shoot in the leg” order to police officers during recent anti-government protests.

Dr. Kigame, a human rights advocate and gospel musician, termed the President’s remarks “deeply disturbing” and “a blatant violation of the constitutional right to life and peaceful assembly.” He said Ruto’s unapologetic stance exemplifies a growing culture among East African leaders of dismissing citizens’ fundamental rights.

“East African presidents are setting a horrifying and dangerous precedent by trivializing the sanctity of life,” Dr. Kigame said in a statement on Tuesday. “It is unacceptable for any leader to justify violence against unarmed citizens exercising their democratic rights.”

The protests, which erupted earlier this year over rising taxes and allegations of corruption, left several young Kenyans dead and dozens injured. Human rights organizations have accused police of using excessive force, including live ammunition, against demonstrators.

“Accountability must begin at the top,” Kigame added. “The lives lost during these protests must not be in vain. Justice must be served for every young Kenyan who was gunned down for demanding better governance.”

Legal analysts say Kigame’s suit could set a major precedent for police accountability in Kenya, especially if the court finds sufficient grounds to implicate senior officials in the use of lethal force.