The political landscape in Kenya has been dramatically reshaped by a searing public spat between former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and President William Ruto, ignited by the latter’s controversial directive to law enforcement regarding protest management. In a move that has sent ripples across the nation and beyond, Gachagua has vehemently slammed President Ruto’s instruction for police to shoot "criminals masquerading as protesters" on the legs, denouncing it as profoundly lacking in "feelings and humanity."
Gachagua’s scathing critique, delivered in a statement on Wednesday night as he prepared for a tour of the United States, marked a significant escalation in the ongoing political discourse. His words carried particular weight as he raised grave concerns over the recent police killings during the widespread demonstrations, notably those on the Saba Saba anniversary. The former DP pointedly highlighted the President's perceived insensitivity, noting that Ruto had not even extended condolences to the families of those tragically killed.
The gravity of Gachagua’s condemnation was underscored by his direct and audacious threat: "You have even gone further to add insult to injury by directing them to shoot innocent Kenyans on the legs. You could not even send condolences to the dead. You lack feelings and humanity. We shall report you not to the Kenyan police but the International Criminal Court an address you are familiar with." This explicit mention of the ICC, an institution with which President Ruto has a complex and well-documented history, elevates the stakes considerably, signaling a potential move to internationalize accountability for the handling of protests.
Gachagua, the leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), issued his remarks shortly after President Ruto’s own comments in Kilimani. During an inspection of an ongoing Police Housing project, Ruto had articulated his directive: police should "shoot on site" criminals involved in burning and looting businesses and private property, but specifically "on the legs," with instructions to then transport them to hospital before arraigning them to face the law. The President unequivocally stated that he desires "peace in Kenya, people to do business," adding, "We cannot accept people who burn other people's property and business. Is there really justice there?" He emphasized, however, that police "should not shoot citizens to kill but the criminals should be dealt with."
This contrasting rhetoric from Kenya's top political figures lays bare a profound ideological chasm. President Ruto's stance prioritizes law and order, property protection, and curbing anarchy, framing violent acts during protests as criminal behavior that warrants decisive, albeit non-lethal, force. He underscored his rejection of a country where individuals steal and destroy others' businesses. Conversely, Gachagua’s argument foregrounds the sanctity of human life and the state’s duty to its citizens, even those engaged in unlawful acts, cautioning against directives that could easily escalate into lethal force and betray fundamental human rights.
The debate is fueled by the grim realities emerging from recent protests. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) recorded a distressing 31 deaths and 107 injuries from the Saba Saba anniversary protests alone. These figures paint a stark picture of a security response widely criticized for being disproportionate and excessively brutal.
