Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has criticized President William Ruto’s administration over its directive allowing police to shoot suspects in the leg during protests, saying such actions violate the right to a fair trial.

In a statement released on Friday, the Orange Democratic Movement leader called on the government to prioritize arrests and arraignment in court rather than maiming or killing suspects linked to unrest.

“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 said.

He stressed the importance of the principle that everyone is innocent until proven guilty by a competent court, adding, “Let's prioritize arrests and arraignment in courts over killing, maiming or brutalizing of suspects.”

According to Raila, such an approach preserves the dignity and human rights of suspects and lends credibility to state actions.

He also warned against a militarized style of policing, saying it risks increasing violence and harms both suspects and officers.

“As a country, we should do everything to avoid the militarized approach to policing. Examples from around the continent show that such an approach only increases the risk of violence,” Raila noted. “A militarised approach to policing endangers both the suspect and the law enforcement officers.”

The statement follows directives from President Ruto and other government officials calling for tough action on protesters.

On Wednesday, President Ruto told police officers to shoot in the leg anyone caught looting during protests. “Anyone who burns down someone else’s business and property, let them be shot in the leg and go to the hospital as they head to court. Yes, let them not kill, but shoot and break the legs. Destroying people’s property is not right,” he said.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen previously ordered police to shoot anyone approaching a police station during the June 25 protests. “Anyone who gets near a police station, shoot them. Why should someone who wants to steal firearms be spared? Firearms are not doughnuts!” he said.

Belgut MP Nelson Koech, chair of the National Assembly Defence committee, escalated the issue by calling for shoot-to-kill orders on violent protesters. “I want to thank President William Ruto for saying yesterday shoot but do not kill. I want to repeat it here. In fact, shoot and kill. You cannot have someone coming after your life and you do not want to shoot and kill," Koech said.