What President William Samoei Ruto said was not reckless. It was responsible. It was lawful. It was necessary

 

When the President said police should shoot in the leg, rush the terrorism suspect to hospital, then take them to court — he was not calling for extra-judicial killings. He was simply restating what the law already provides.

Section 61 of the National Police Service Act gives officers the power to use reasonable and proportional force — including their firearms — to protect life and property. Those guns, bought with our taxes, are not ceremonial ornaments. They are tools of law enforcement — and when life, public safety or national stability is under threat, the police must not hesitate to use them appropriately.

If a terrorist tries to burn down a police station or a looter attempts to torch a market or hospital — the police have a duty to act swiftly, firmly and lawfully. To disable, not to execute. To preserve life, not take it. But also, to protect innocent citizens, not watch helplessly.

When a bullet departs the barrel of a gun, death , even though unintended, is one of the possible results.When it becomes reasonable and appropriate for the policeman to discharge the bullet, fear should not hinder him.

This is not a license to abuse power. It is a call to defend Kenya — with both courage and accountability.

Let us stop demonizing lawful policing. Let us stand with our men and women in uniform who risk their lives to protect ours.

The writer is Hon Mohamed Fazul Mandera west Mp Aspirant 2027