The United Nations has expressed fresh concern over the rising number of deaths, injuries and arrests linked to Kenya’s ongoing anti-government protests, urging immediate accountability and restraint from security forces.
In a statement issued from Geneva on Tuesday, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Ravina Shamdasani voiced alarm over the violent turn of events during the Saba Saba Day demonstrations held on Monday.
The protests, originally intended to commemorate Kenya’s decades-long struggle for democracy, quickly escalated into deadly clashes across Nairobi and at least 16 other counties.
“We are deeply troubled by the killings yesterday of at least 10 people, as well as looting and destruction of property in Kenya as police and other security forces responded to violent protests,” said Shamdasani.
Additionally, 52 police officers were injured and 567 people were arrested in the crackdown.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has reported at least 10 fatalities, 29 injuries, 37 arrests and two abductions.
The commission also documented widespread looting and destruction of both public and private property by unidentified individuals who exploited the chaos.
The UN statement underscored a troubling pattern of excessive force that has marred recent demonstrations in the country.
“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,” Shamdasani added.
Monday’s demonstrations were part of a larger wave of nationwide protests fueled by frustration over the rising cost of living, unpopular tax proposals and worsening economic hardship.
While Kenyan authorities insist they are working to maintain law and order, human rights groups and families of victims have accused the police of using unnecessary and lethal force against largely unarmed protesters.
Witnesses have reported officers firing live bullets and rubber bullets as well as using tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds in densely populated areas often leading to casualties among bystanders.
In response to growing public outrage, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called for calm and urged all parties to respect the right to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and association.
The UN also welcomed the Kenyan police's announcement of an investigation into the recent deaths and other alleged human rights violations.
“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 the use of force—to be promptly, thoroughly, independently, and transparently investigated. Those responsible must be held to account,” said Shamdasani.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has pledged support to Kenyan authorities in addressing the current challenges adding that the legitimate grievances behind the protests must be resolved through dialogue and justice not bullets and intimidation.
