Shoot in the Legs, Other William Ruto's Controversial Remarks That Got Kenyans Talking
- President William Ruto's tongue is his main arsenal in the political terrain, when he is telling off critics, or pontificating about government policies
- The president has gone on record with remarks deemed strange for a person of his stature, a leader of a nation
- He has often sparked debate and wild reactions with some of his public pronouncements that did not sit well with many
Kai Eli, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
President William Ruto is known to be a bold speaker, a tough-talking orator who never wastes a chance with the microphone to speak his mind.
Source: UGC
Whether it is telling off critics or expounding on some controversial government policy he has just sanctioned, the president doesn't mince his words.
Most times, his remarks have attracted backlash from leaders from across sectors and the public at large.
TUKO.co.ke revisits some of the president's controversial moments with the microphone.
1. Shoot violent protesters in the leg
The president shocked many last month when he authorised the police to use their bullets to incapacitate atrocious protesters.
Speaking in Nairobi on July 9, the president warned those taking advantage of the protests that the police would deal with them firmly and decisively.
He noted that goons were infiltrating the demonstrations to hurt innocent civilians, loot business establishments and damage private businesses and government installations.
Ruto said the government would not sit back and watch anarchists advance lawlessness.
He asked the police to shoot at the violent protesters in the legs with the intent to injure but not to kill.
They would then be processed for prosecution while getting treatment in the hospital.
The pronouncement sparked condemnation, including from the president's chief ally, Raila Odinga.
They said such a directive was a subtle shoot-to-kill command.
"We want peace and people to carry on with their businesses. But someone who destroys and torches other people's businesses should be shot in the legs and taken to the hospital before being arraigned in court. We shall not tolerate that nonsense. I want to say, police should not shoot Kenyans to kill, but criminals who have looted businesses should be dealt with," the president declared.
2. Police are not babysitters
Coming hot on the heels of his shoot to injure command, the president insisted that the police would react to any move by criminals.
Even in the protests, police will use their force to subdue violent protesters.
Speaking in a church service on July 20, the president cautioned the Kenyan parents against neglecting their parental responsibilities.
He said each parent is responsible for their child's behaviour, stating that misbehaviour would be met with police action.
Ruto warned that if parents fail, the police would not be expected to babysit those who are wayward while in the public.
"Parents, let us mentor our children and be parents. Let us look after our children and talk to them. The church, let us work together, because raising the next generation of Kenya is a societal responsibility. It takes parents, the church, and the government to train the next generation of responsible citizens. We will provide education, we will make sure they have quality health, but parents and the church let us do our part, so that we can raise the next generation of responsible people...the police are trained to deal with police, not parenting," he said.
3. How do you want me to go
In the course of the revolt against Ruto's regime, the revolters have maintained one clarion call, that he must go.
"Ruto Must Go" has been the banner on social media platforms for a time, prompting a reaction from the president.
He questioned Kenyans on how and where they want him to go.
"And if it is Ruto must go, tell me how you want me to go. Let's be honest with ourselves. What do you mean? What do you mean by Ruto must go? How do I go? Because we have a constitution in place, dear people, right? If you want Ruta to go, please, my simple advice to you, look for a better plan. Convince the people of Kenya that you have a better plan. This one of mine has created 250,000 jobs in the housing sector. Look for one that creates 500,000. This one of mine has brought down the cost of hunger from 240 to 160. Look for one that brings it to 50. Violence will not, anarchy will not, it will not sort out our country. Let us not fool ourselves," he said.
4. I'm the best president for Kenya - William Ruto
The president recently asserted that he is the right person to transform Kenya.
Suggesting that he could be the best president ever since Kenya got independence, Ruto explained that his know-how and experience cut across the regimes before him.
He said he learned from the four presidents that came before him and hence knows what is the rightful thing to be done to change Kenya for the better.
Ruto said his knowledge is unmatched and that he is a leader of his own kind, having amassed experience in various portfolios, including serving as an MP, a Cabinet minister, deputy president.
"I have the courage of Jomo Kenyatta, I have the understanding of Moi, I have the education of Kibaki, and I have the plan we shared with Uhuru Kenyatta. I have the experience of being an MP for 15 years, I have been a deputy president for 10 years. Isn't that experience enough? I am not a very old man, I am a young man, I understand what I am doing. I was born in rural area, so I understand the problems of Kenya. So I don't have an excuse for failing in this job, so I have to do the difficult job. The reason why I am doing this difficult job is because there has never been an opportunity for a person with the experience I have, with the education I have, with the knowledge I have in Kenya. So I must do it. Others ara making noises against me but I don't have time for that," he said.
5. I was given the sword, and it is for dealing with criminals, not cutting vegetables
The president had become tired with petitioners against the affordable house programme, his pet project.
Ruto embarked on building units across the country to solve the housing problem in the country.
It was, however, unwelcome, as those against it opposed the housing levy imposed on Kenyans.
Numerous petitions were filed in court challenging the validity of the housing levy.
The courts would rule against the levy, terming it unconstitutional, with the government mounting appeals against the rulings.
Ruto said he would not allow the naysayers to have their way.
"Those people who are going to court to block us from undertaking the affordable housing project are the enemies of Kenya. I want to assure you that you gave me the powers, and I will deal with them. All I need is your prayers. I was already given the sword. Do you think it's for cutting vegetables? It's for dealing with all these criminals," he warned them.
Does Ruto intend to defend his seat?
Even in the face of tough scrutiny from an ever-keen public, the president has been upbeat that he would secure a second term.
Ruto says his detractors are planless and have no solid agenda compared to his to transform the country.
To enhance his chances, he joined forces with his onetime political rival, Raila Odinga.
The ODM leader has often reassured the president of his support, at least until 2027.
The veteran politicians has given indications of supporting the president's reelection bid.
Ruto prepares to face off with the opposition, which features his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and PLP leader Martha Karua, among others.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
