- Spokesperson says UN agency ready to support Kenyan authorities in addressing these challenges, including investigations.
GENEVA
The UN human rights office on Tuesday said it is “deeply troubled” by the recent killings during nationwide protests in Kenya, as well as looting and destruction of property.
Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva that security forces responded to “violent” protests in the capital Nairobi and at least 16 other counties with use of lethal ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons.
“It is very concerning that these latest incidents come barely two weeks after 15 protesters were reportedly killed and many more injured in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya on 25 June,” she added.
“UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk renews his call for calm and restraint, and full respect for the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly. It is essential that legitimate grievances at the root of these protests are addressed,” she said.
Shamdasani mentioned that the police have announced an investigation into earlier incidents: “The high commissioner repeats his call for all reported killings and other alleged violations and abuses of international human rights law, including with respect to use of force, to be promptly, thoroughly, independently and transparently investigated.”
“Those responsible must be held to account,” she said, underlining that under international human rights law, intentional lethal force by law enforcement officers, including with firearms, should only be used when strictly necessary to protect life from an imminent threat.
“Our office stands ready to support the authorities in Kenya in addressing these challenges, including in the investigations,” she said.
Kenya saw at least 10 death and 29 people getting injured during nationwide Saba Saba demonstrations, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said Monday.
The Saba Saba demonstrations, marking the anniversary of Kenya’s July 7, 1990 pro-democracy uprising, have drawn thousands into the streets.
Fueled by mounting frustration over economic hardship, police brutality, and a string of recent deaths in police custody, the protests are largely driven by younger Kenyans.
Monday’s Saba Saba protests came amid a wider national movement demanding President William Ruto’s resignation, police accountability, and economic reforms.
The unrest follows the high-profile death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, an incident that galvanized anger nationwide.
