You’ll Be Charged and Convicted Alone, Havi Warns Police Against Ruto’s ‘Shoot-the-Leg’ Directive

Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has issued a stern warning to police officers against the unlawful use of force during ongoing anti-government protests, cautioning that those who follow illegal orders risk personal criminal liability.

Havi’s remarks follow controversial statements by President William Ruto, who on Wednesday, July 9, directed security forces to shoot individuals who attack police officers or security installations during demonstrations.

In a strongly worded statement on Thursday, July 10, Havi reminded police personnel that they remain individually accountable for their actions, regardless of political directives from the executive.

“Listen, a rifle round will often dismember a limb, leading to excessive bleeding and death,” Havi said.

“President William Ruto has no power to order you, a police officer, on how to use a firearm. You will be charged and convicted alone. He will not care when you go through the tribulations.”

Havi emphasized that invoking “orders from above” will not shield officers from prosecution under both Kenyan and international law.

President Ruto, addressing a crowd in Kilimani, Nairobi, had earlier condemned what he described as escalating acts of violence and sabotage disguised as civil unrest. He accused demonstrators of hijacking protests to destroy property, attack police, and destabilize the country.

“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,” said Ruto.

The president escalated his rhetoric further, warning that attacks on police or government facilities would be considered a declaration of war.

“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.”

The remarks have triggered backlash from human rights organizations and legal experts who say the directives contravene constitutional provisions on the use of force and due process.

Havi’s statement underscores growing concern within legal and civil society circles over what they describe as a dangerous slide into authoritarianism. His comments also reflect anxieties that the security sector could become a political weapon in an increasingly volatile environment.