Belgut MP Nelson Koech has recently called for shoot to kill against violent protestors.
Speaking in Kericho on July 10, Mp Koech insisted that law enforcement officers must not hesitate to kill if their lives or the lives of citizens are in danger.
“President William Ruto said shoot but do not kill; I want to repeat it here, in fact, shoot and kill. You cannot have someone coming after your life and you do not want to shoot and kill. You cannot have someone who is going to terrorize you and your family and you are telling me you cannot shoot and kill. You cannot have someone who is coming after your business, armed with weapons, and you want to tell me that you cannot shoot and kill,” he noted.
MP Nelson Koech calls for the use of deadly force against violent protestors. Photo: Courtesy.
He moreover defended police officers from criticism, noting that they are constitutionally empowered to use firearms when their lives are at risk.
Koech went on to justify the use of lethal force against those attempting to breach highly protected areas like the State House.
According to Koech, such actions cannot be considered ordinary protests but rather criminal acts deserving the harshest response.
His remarks came hours after President Ruto directed security forces to shoot in the legs those involved in looting and destruction of property during protests.
While speaking in Kilimani on Wednesday, July 9, Ruto noted that officers should not use lethal force against ordinary citizens but those who deliberately set out to destroy other people’s livelihoods.
