Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has defended President William Ruto’s recent directive to police to shoot protesters in the legs instead of using lethal force.

In a post shared on his official X account on Saturday, July 12, 2025, Kaluma said the president’s order is in line with the law. He argued that police officers are allowed to shoot in certain situations, and what matters is that they avoid using deadly force.

He emphasised that the key issue is not the act of shooting itself but ensuring that force is applied in a way that minimises the risk of death.

According to the lawmaker, Ruto’s directive to aim for the legs reflects a deliberate effort to avoid unnecessary killings while still enabling the police to maintain order.

“The law is very clear! In all these circumstances, the police are permitted to shoot; whether the bullet maims or kills depends on what part of the body it hits. Why should we condemn President Ruto for urging the police to avoid killer shots whenever they have to shoot?” Kaluma stated.

Ruto’s order

His remarks come just days after President Ruto directed police officers to shoot in the legs anyone found burning or looting property during protests.

“We want peace in Kenya, people to do business. A person who is going to burn another person’s business and property, such a person should be shot in the legs, taken to the hospital and then to court. They should not kill him, but they should shoot the legs,” President Ruto said.

Ruto made it clear that the police must avoid killing innocent civilians, but they should take firm action against criminals who take advantage of protests to destroy property.

“We cannot accept people who burn other people’s property and business. Is there justice there? Police should not shoot citizens to kill, but the criminals should be dealt with,” he added.

The president also warned politicians believed to be funding the protests that the government will take action against them.

However, the directive has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups, opposition leaders, and the public. Many say the president’s comments could be interpreted as giving the police unchecked power to harm citizens during demonstrations. Some activists have raised concerns that the move could lead to more cases of police brutality.