Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has reprimanded President William Ruto following his controversial order to police to shoot violent protesters stealing and attacking police in the leg.

Speaking at a youth service graduation ceremony in Murang’a on Sunday, July 13, 2025, Babu Owino criticised the government’s heavy-handed response to demonstrations, especially amid rising frustration over the cost of living and high taxation.

The outspoken legislator called out Ruto for what he described as a dangerous leadership style rooted in intimidation and violence.

“We cannot kill the future of this nation,” Babu said. “Gen Z’s only mistake is demanding affordable education and jobs. Yet, they are being met with bullets instead of solutions.”

Referencing the tragic death of protester Rex Masai—who was shot in the leg and later died from bleeding—Babu warned that violence by the state could no longer be justified as ‘immobilising’. “Even a bullet in the leg can kill. Presidents come and go, but the nation must live on,” he stressed.

Vision needed, not violence

Babu also challenged Ruto’s character as a leader. He said the country doesn’t need a “missionary leader” with a mission to ruin Kenya, but a “visionary leader” who transforms lives.

“Why do you want to lead with bitterness?” he asked the president. “Be better, not bitter. Don’t lead with the mission to steal, defraud, or destroy this nation. Lead with a vision to uplift Kenyans.”

In a powerful closing statement, Babu reminded Kenyans of their power and responsibility: “Nobody will exit this world alive, not even those killing us. So fight for what you stand for. Women, youth, men, stand up for your rights. You have a duty to leave Kenya better, not bitter.”

His comments come days after Ruto, while speaking from Kilimani, ordered security forces to shoot those engaging in violence, saying attacks on police and public property were acts of war. Health CS Aden Duale defended the remarks, claiming shooting in the leg is just “immobilising.”

But for Babu Owino and many others, the directive is a dangerous path. One that, instead of solving Kenya’s problems, deepens pain and suppresses voices calling for change.