Thirdway Alliance Party leader Ekuru Aukot has called for President William Ruto to undergo a mental health assessment, citing the Head of State’s recent disturbing public remarks.
Aukot expressed concern that Ruto’s tone and statements, especially his pledge to stop anti-government protests using whatever means that is available suggest a leader under intense pressure.
“I see frustrations in government because all of the government policies have failed. I see an angry president. You can’t govern a country with such an attitude,” Aukot said during an interview on Citizen TV.
“In fact, some people are saying…I think Ruto needs to check into a mental facility to be analysed because some of the things he is saying are worrying.”
Aukot also criticized the government for failing to respond to the public’s outcry and instead turning its security forces against citizens demanding change.
He accused the State of pushing a false narrative that the country is descending into anarchy, using that as justification for increasingly aggressive tactics.
“The government is sponsoring a false narrative that there is a state of anarchy in Kenya and hence the use of words like enough is enough, shoot to kill, shoot in the leg, and that is because Kenyans are invoking their sovereign power under article 1 to say the people we elected to represent us have failed us in many ways,” he said.
Ruto Faces ICC Threat Over Shoot-to-Injure Order
His remarks followed a controversial directive by President William Ruto, who recently told police officers to shoot looters in the leg during anti-government protests.
Speaking on Wednesday while commissioning a police housing project in Nairobi’s Kilimani area, Ruto urged law enforcement not to kill, but rather to “shoot and break the legs” of anyone caught engaging in violence or destruction of property during demonstrations.
President Ruto’s comments also sparked sharp criticism from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who accused him of lacking compassion and basic humanity.
Gachagua condemned the President’s shoot-to-injure directive, saying it showed disregard for the lives of ordinary Kenyans. He also decried the rising cases of police killings during recent protests, pointing out that Ruto had not even offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives on Monday.
He added that he and other concerned Kenyans plan to take action on the international stage.
“You have even gone further to add insult to injury by directing them to shoot innocent Kenyans on the legs. You could not even send condolences to the dead. You lack feelings and humanity. We shall report you not to the Kenyan police but the International Criminal Court an address you are familiar with,” Gachagua said.
