ODM Deputy Party Leader and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has condemned the recent directives by top government officials authorizing the use of live ammunition on protestors, urging police officers to exercise restraint even in the face of provocation.

The Senator’s strong rebuke comes amid mounting public concern over the increasing number of deaths linked to police brutality during the recent wave of anti-government protests.

A majority of the casualties have been young people, with human rights groups and opposition figures decrying the excessive use of force by security agencies.

“Peaceful protests are allowed as long as there is no destruction of property,” Osotsi said. “It is a constitutional right for any Kenyan to protest peacefully and police must respect that right. It should not be that when citizens protest, they are shot at, killed, or abducted.”

His remarks followed President William Ruto’s controversial directive to police officers to shoot violent protestors in the leg particularly those caught looting or damaging businesses.

Speaking earlier today at Kilimani Police Station in Dagoretti North during an inspection of housing units, President Ruto branded such individuals as “terrorists.”

“Anyone who wakes up and goes to burn another person’s business should be shot in the legs, taken to hospital, and then taken to court,” Ruto stated.

This pronouncement comes just weeks after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen came under heavy criticism for what was interpreted as a “shoot-to-kill” order targeting protestors approaching police stations with alleged criminal intent.

In response, Osotsi warned against inflammatory statements from leaders, cautioning that such rhetoric could escalate tensions and lead to further bloodshed.

The ODM Senator further accused the President of being the catalyst behind the sustained youth-led protests, particularly those driven by Gen Zs, who feel betrayed by unmet promises made during the 2022 election campaigns.

“During the campaigns, there was the ‘hustler’ narrative where the youth were promised jobs and many other things. Up to now, none of that has been delivered,” he added. “That frustration is now boiling over because even President Ruto himself seems to have forgotten about the hustlers and the mama mbogas.” said Osotsi.