Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has condemned President William Ruto over his recent directive to the police to shoot protesters involved in burning police stations, looting, and causing chaos during demonstrations.
Speaking during the Murang’a youth service graduation ceremony on Sunday, July 13, 2025, Babu Owino said Ruto’s instruction was out of order, adding that live bullets are deadly and unpredictable, even a wound meant to be non‑lethal can turn fatal.
In addition, the youthful parliamentarian recalled that Rex Maasai was shot in the leg and later passed away due to excessive bleeding.
He further emphasised that presidents come and go, but the nation endures, warning that leadership should not be built on violence and destruction.
“If you give instructions for people to be shot in the legs, Rex Masai was killed; he was shot in the leg. If you kill everybody, who will you rule? You have to know that presidents come and go, but the nation will still remain intact,” Babu Owino said.
“You are the 5th President of the Republic of Kenya, you came and you shall leave. Leave this nation a better nation, not a bitter nation.”
Babu on Ruto’s leadership
The vocal lawmaker further challenged Ruto to be a missionary leader instead of a visionary one.
“Mr President, the Gen Zs’ only mistake is to advocate for the high cost of living to be lowered, to ensure that Kenyans are not overtaxed. Why do you want to be a missionary leader instead of a visionary leader?,” he added.
“A leader with a mission to kill this nation, a leader with a mission to destroy the future of this nation, a leader with a mission to steal, pilfer and defraud Kenyans. Be a visionary, a leader who wants to transform the lives of Kenyans for the better.”
Ruto’s orders
This comes after Ruto issued a stern warning to individuals engaging in violent demonstrations, particularly those targeting police officers and stations, declaring such actions acts of war against the Republic of Kenya.
Speaking from Kilimani on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, the head of state said that any individual who attacks a police station or assaults law enforcement officers will face severe consequences under the full force of the law.
“Anyone who picks up petrol to burn someone else’s business or any other person’s property, such a person should be shot in the leg, taken to hospital, and then presented in court,” he said.
“And I want to tell Kenyans clearly anyone who attacks a police officer, anyone who invades a police station, that is a declaration of war in the Republic of Kenya. I do not know if we are understanding each other, my friend. Enough is enough. It cannot go on any longer.”
