Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo on Saturday, July 12, 2025, came to defend his boss, President William Ruto, after his shoot-to-maim order sparked public outcry.

In a video shared on his official X page, PS Raymond Omollo insisted that Ruto was handed over the country and he is mandated to defend and protect it until he hands it over to the next head of state.

Omollo argued that if Ruto fails to defend and protect the country, it risks sliding into a state of lawlessness.

“The president has already pronounced himself as the commander in chief. He swore to protect this country and he has given us his assurance that under his watch, he will not allow the country to fall into disorder. He was handed a country and when his time comes, he will hand it over to the next occupant,” Raymond Omollo stated.

Differing remarks

His remarks came despite a section of leaders rejecting Ruto’s shoot-on-the-legs directive. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga condemned the order, describing it as a violation of the constitution.

“As a country, we must at all times opt for the Rule of Law and due process and reject the temptation to give police illegitimate and deadly powers over citizens even when the citizens are perceived to have broken the law,” Raila noted.

“We are all better served as a country when we stick to the principle that everyone is innocent until proven guilty; a determination that can only be made by a competent court of law. Let’s prioritise arrests and arraignment in courts over killing, maiming, or brutalising of suspects.”

“This preserves the dignity and respects the human rights of suspects while at the same time confers credibility to the actions of the State.”

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka equally castigated the head of state, accusing him of watering down the country’s strides in constitutionalism.

Omollo on protests

Despite the numerous calls and public uproar, PS Raymond Omollo insisted that protests must be conducted in a way that does not interfere with the rights and freedoms of others.

“While the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to peaceful protests and picketing, this must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law,” Omollo.

We must ensure that in expressing our views, we do not trample on the rights and freedoms of others, disrupt public order or endanger lives and property.

He equally lauded the police for their professionalism despite concerns over brutality, with human rights bodies indicating that over 35 people were killed during Saba Saba demonstrations.

“We commend our security agencies for upholding law and order, protecting lives and preserving the peace that binds our nation together.”

The government remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the safety and security of all Kenyans.

While the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to peaceful protests and picketing, this must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law.

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— Dr. Raymond Omollo — CBS (@ray_omollo) July 12, 2025