Maraga condemns Ruto’s shoot the leg order after visiting victims
By Joel Masibo, September 19, 2025Former Chief Justice David Maraga has blasted President William Ruto over his orders to shoot protesters in the leg, moments after visiting victims of the anti-government demonstrations at the Kenyatta National Hospital on Friday, September 19, 2025.
Taking to X on Friday, September 19, 2025, Maraga, who is keen on vying for the presidency in the 2027 general election, termed President William Ruto’s order of shooting protesters in the leg as an outrageous violation of the constitution.
Elsewhere, Khwisero Member of Parliament Christopher Aseka backs Ruto’s shoot in the leg directive.
Maraga also expressed displeasure with how the cases of protest victims are being handled after the June 2024 unrest.
”I visited four young men at Kenyatta National Hospital who were brutally shot by the police during the 25 June commemoration of youth killed in the brave 2024 uprising against economic injustices. The lives of these young people have been stalled by these injuries. We must continue seeking accountability and justice as those responsible for these injuries continue to hold public office. My thoughts are with our young people during their recovery process,” Maraga said.
On Friday, September 19, 2025, Maraga also fired back at Ruto over the same; ”This is another reminder that Ruto’s orders to ‘shoot the leg’ are outrageous and violations of our Constitution. These young men have spent 3 months in excruciating pain with their lives on hold,” he said.
Ruto’s compensation plan backfires
Following the public outcry over the government’s neglect of protest victims, President William Ruto formed a Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests, which has faced rejection from a section of the public.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said that Ruto should apologise to Kenyans before compensating the victims of police brutality.
Led by Professor Makau Mutua, the Panel has filed an urgent application in the High Court at Kerugoya seeking to vacate conservatory orders that suspended its work.
The panel’s 18 interested parties have filed a Notice of Motion and Certificate of Urgency seeking to vacate the orders, warning that unless the matter is heard quickly, the panel’s lifespan will expire before its work is completed.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) have documented more than 180 deaths, including 63 during the 2024 Gen Z protests and 38 this year alone. Families who attended the launch recounted painful losses, urging the state to fast-track reparations.