Ruto declares zero tolerance for violence against police, says enough is enough

President William Ruto has issued a stern and uncompromising warning to individuals engaging in violent demonstrations, particularly those targeting police officers and stations, declaring such actions acts of war against the Republic of Kenya.
Speaking from Kilimani on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, President Ruto condemned those who have taken advantage of recent protests to destroy businesses, harm police officers, and threaten the country’s stability.
He warned that any individual who attacks a police station or assaults law enforcement officers will face severe consequences under the full force of the law.
“Anyone who picks up petrol to burn someone else’s business or any other person’s property—such a person should be shot in the leg, taken to hospital, and then presented in court,” he said.
“And I want to tell Kenyans clearly—anyone who attacks a police officer, anyone who invades a police station—that is a declaration of war in the Republic of Kenya. I do not know if we are understanding each other, my friend. Enough is enough. It cannot go on any longer,” he added.
The president vowed to fulfil his constitutional responsibility to protect the lives, property, and livelihoods of all Kenyans.

He said the government he leads will no longer tolerate acts of arson, destruction, and lawlessness under the guise of protest, reiterating that such criminality undermines the very development the country has worked hard to achieve.
“I will protect the properties of the citizens of Kenya, their lives, and their businesses. It is the responsibility of the Government of Kenya, which I lead, to make sure that this war of destroying property and burning people’s businesses comes to an end. It must stop. I do not know if we are understanding each other,” he said.
President Ruto declared that his administration would utilise every lawful mechanism available to restore order and maintain stability across the country.
“We are going to use whatever means is available to make sure that we stabilise the country. We cannot accept mayhem and anarchy to destroy the development we have in this country,” he stated.