Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has warned police officers not to obey illegal orders from the executive, saying they risk personal criminal responsibility for the unlawful use of force during protests.
His statement follows controversial remarks made by President William Ruto on Wednesday, July 9, instructing police to shoot protestors who attack security personnel or installations.
Speaking on Thursday, July 10, Havi reminded officers that any misuse of firearms, regardless of who gives the order, could land them in jail.
“Listen, a rifle round will often dismember a limb, leading to excessive bleeding and death. President William Ruto has no power to order you, a police officer, on how to use a firearm,” said Havi.
“You will be charged and convicted alone. He will not care when you go through the tribulations.”
He emphasised that citing “orders from above” would not shield any officer from prosecution under Kenyan or international law.
Ruto’s Remarks Ignite Legal Backlash
President Ruto, while speaking in Kilimani, Nairobi, had justified tough action against violent protestors. He accused some demonstrators of using civil unrest to attack police, burn property, and disrupt national peace.
“Anyone who picks up petrol to burn someone else’s business or property, such a person should be shot in the leg, taken to hospital, and then presented in court,” Ruto declared.
He escalated the warning further:
“Anyone who attacks a police officer, anyone who invades a police station, that is a declaration of war in the Republic of Kenya… Enough is enough.”
The president’s comments have triggered outrage from human rights groups and legal scholars, who say the directives violate constitutional provisions on the use of force, due process, and human dignity.
Havi’s intervention reflects a growing fear that the security sector is being weaponised against dissent and protest, as anti-government demonstrations continue across the country.
