President William Ruto has firmly stood by his controversial “shoot on the leg” directive to law enforcement officers, saying he has no regrets about the order, which he insists was necessary to restore public safety amid a surge in violent crime.

Speaking during a public event in Nairobi, President Ruto said the directive was meant to ensure police can effectively respond to armed criminals who endanger the lives of innocent citizens and officers.

“We must protect the lives and property of Kenyans. Criminals cannot be allowed to terrorize people freely. If someone attacks a police officer or a citizen with a gun or a machete, we expect the police to act — and act firmly,” Ruto stated.

The president’s remarks come after human rights groups raised concerns over the order, warning that it could lead to excessive use of force and extrajudicial killings. Several civil society organizations, including Amnesty International Kenya, have urged the government to emphasize due process and accountability rather than “shoot-to-stop” tactics.

However, supporters of the president argue that the directive is a long-overdue step toward restoring law and order, particularly in areas where armed robberies and gang activities have spiked.

“The criminals have been walking freely. Police have been afraid to act. Now they know the government is backing them,” said a resident of Nakuru, where crime rates have recently dropped following tougher police patrols.

Security analysts note that the phrase “shoot on the leg” was meant to imply disabling an armed suspect rather than executing them — a middle ground between non-action and lethal force. Still, critics question whether such nuance will be applied consistently in the field.

As debates continue, the president remains defiant.

“We are not apologizing for protecting Kenyans. Those breaking the law should know that the days of impunity are over,” Ruto emphasized.

The issue has reignited Kenya’s long-running conversation about the balance between security and human rights — a topic that remains deeply divisive as the country seeks both peace and justice in equal measure.