NAIROBI, Kenya -- Kenya’s president on Wednesday broke his silence on recent anti-government protests that left dozens dead, urging police to “break the legs" of those who stole and burned property during the demonstrations.

Protesters braving police batons, water cannon and occasional bullets on Kenya's streets this week have taken up a rallying cry that is likely to unnerve its embattled president, William Ruto: "Ruto wantam",