US EditionKenya’s president says ‘enough is enough’ and vows to end anti-government protests
KENYA, JUL 9 – President William Ruto warned that violent protests aimed at overthrowing his government have caused 31 deaths and over 100 injuries, with more than 500 arrests reported, rights groups said.
- Kenyan President William Ruto broke his silence on July 9, 2025, warning protesters and urging police to shoot violent demonstrators in the leg.
- The warnings followed weeks of protests and two waves of demonstrations triggered by a blogger's death in police custody and a civilian shot by police.
- On July 7, police clashed with protesters across 17 counties in events marking a historic pro-democracy anniversary, resulting in 31 deaths, over 100 injuries, and more than 500 arrests.
- Ruto expressed that anyone caught setting fire to other people’s property should be punished by having their leg wounded, requiring medical treatment before facing legal consequences, and he pledged to uphold peace and stability in the country by any means necessary.
- The unrest intensified opposition calls for impeachment while the UN urged addressing protest grievances and emphasized restraint from excessive police force.
42 Articles
42 Articles
‘Don't kill them, break their legs’: Kenyan president to police on how to control protesters
Kenya’s president on Wednesday broke his silence on recent anti-government protests that left dozens dead, urging police to “break the legs" of those who stole and burned property during the demonstrations.
In the country there is bitterness and anger, thousands protest against the government. And President William Ruto? He only has this answer for the people: hardness.
Almost every week, young demonstrators are killed in one of Africa's largest economies. Their anger is directed against William Ruto – a president who had re-emerged.
On Wednesday, the head of state warned those who, according to him, seek to sow chaos in order to overthrow his government before the presidential elections of 2027, two days after violent anti-government demonstrations, which killed at least 31 people. In the opposition, several figures denounce an authoritarian drift of the regime and call for a national dialogue.
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