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.

The death toll from Kenya’s latest anti-government protest has surged to 31, according to the state-funded human rights commission.

More than 100 people were injured and over 500 others arrested amid widespread destruction of property, reports say.