Kenya is currently experiencing a period of significant political tension and public outcry, marked by government policies and a controversial directive from President William Ruto. Critics, including Thirdway Alliance Party leader Ekuru Aukot, have expressed deep concern over President Ruto's recent public remarks and his approach to anti-government protests. Aukot specifically called for President Ruto to undergo a mental health assessment, citing what he described as a "disturbing" tone and statements that suggest a leader under intense pressure and anger. He argued that the government's policies have failed, leading to frustration, and emphasized that a country cannot be governed with such an attitude, going as far as to suggest Ruto's need for a mental facility analysis due to "worrying" statements.

A key point of contention is President Ruto's controversial directive to police officers to "shoot looters in the leg" during anti-government protests, a statement made while commissioning a police housing project. He urged law enforcement not to kill but to "shoot and break the legs" of individuals engaging in violence or destruction. This directive sparked sharp criticism from various quarters, notably from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who accused President Ruto of lacking compassion and basic humanity. Gachagua condemned the shoot-to-injure order, highlighting the disregard for ordinary Kenyans' lives and the rising cases of police killings during recent protests. He further criticized Ruto for failing to offer condolences to victims' families and announced plans to report the President to the International Criminal Court (ICC), an address Gachagua noted Ruto is "familiar with."

Beyond the direct orders, Aukot also criticized the government for its failure to address public grievances, instead resorting to using security forces against citizens demanding change. He accused the State of promoting a "false narrative" that Kenya is descending into anarchy, using this as a pretext to justify increasingly aggressive tactics, including terms like "enough is enough," "shoot to kill," and "shoot in the leg." Aukot asserted that Kenyans are merely invoking their sovereign power under Article 1 to express dissatisfaction with their elected representatives.

Adding another layer to the narrative of dissent and alleged suppression is the case of Hiram Kimathi, a popular police officer and TikToker known for his advocacy for human rights. Kimathi, who has been vocal about police treatment of Kenyans and even publicly apologized for actions on June 25, recently announced his resignation in an emotional video. He gained significant attention for advocating for citizens' right to protest without harm and for fostering better police-public relations. His apology to Kenyans for police conduct on June 25 resonated widely, recognizing citizens' tax contributions that sustained his 14-year career.

Kimathi's resignation was prompted by what he perceived as a malicious transfer from Kyubi Police Station in Machakos county to Todonyang Police Station. He alleged that this transfer, issued on June 9, 2025, was orchestrated by Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat due to his outspokenness. Despite being reportedly asked to return to his Machakos station after the transfer letter was issued, Kimathi refused, stating he had already made travel arrangements and signed the marching orders. He directly addressed OCPD Athi River, Lagat, and Murkomen, claiming awareness of plans "in the darkness" and questioning why his life should be threatened for "standing for the truth," emphasizing his humble background and lack of influence. His public resignation and accusations underscore a growing tension between government authority and individual advocacy within Kenya's security apparatus.