Belgut MP Nelson Koech has stirred controversy after calling for a shoot-to-kill directive against violent protesters who destroy property or threaten lives during demonstrations.
Speaking on Thursday morning, Koech — who also chairs the National Assembly’s Defence Committee — said the current directive by President William Ruto to shoot such criminals in the legs does not go far enough. He insisted that security officers should be empowered to use lethal force when confronted with armed or dangerous individuals during protests.
“I want to thank President William Ruto for saying shoot but do not kill,” said Koech in a video seen by Tukio. “But I want to repeat it here—shoot and kill. You cannot have someone coming after your life, your family, your business, and be told not to shoot to kill.”
Koech argued that the Constitution and the National Police Service Act grant police officers the right to use their firearms when their lives or those of others are in imminent danger.
He labeled protesters who attempt to access protected areas such as State House as “criminals” who should be treated as a national security threat.
“Anyone trying to breach a protected area like State House is not an ordinary protester. That is an armed criminal, and the only appropriate response is to shoot and kill,” Koech asserted.
The Belgut legislator went further to warn that those involved in such acts would be treated as terrorists or as individuals aiding terrorism, saying, “We will arrest everyone, and I can tell you they are going to be charged as either facilitating terrorism or they are terrorists themselves.”
His remarks come a day after President Ruto gave a firm warning to individuals who take advantage of protests to loot and destroy property. The President had instructed the police to shoot such criminals in the legs, with the aim of disabling and arresting them—not killing.
“We cannot accept a country where people burn businesses and destroy livelihoods,” said Ruto during a public address. “But police must not kill innocent civilians. Criminals should be shot in the legs, taken to hospital, and charged.”
