The United Nations human rights office said Tuesday it is “deeply troubled” by the killing of protesters, looting, and destruction of property during recent anti-government demonstrations across Kenya.
UN rights spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva that security forces responded with “lethal ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons” in Nairobi and at least 16 other counties during Monday’s Saba Saba protests.
“These latest incidents come barely two weeks after 15 people were reportedly killed during protests on June 25,” she noted. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, renewed his call for calm, restraint, and full respect for freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
The UN urged Kenyan authorities to address the root causes of public discontent and called for thorough, independent investigations into the reported use of excessive force. “Those responsible must be held to account,” Shamdasani said, reiterating that intentional lethal force may only be used by law enforcement when absolutely necessary to protect lives.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said Monday that at least 10 people were killed and 29 injured in the latest round of protests. The Saba Saba demonstrations, which mark the anniversary of Kenya’s July 7, 1990 pro-democracy uprising, have drawn thousands into the streets.
The protests—largely led by youth—have been driven by growing frustration over rising living costs, police brutality, and recent deaths in custody, including the case of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, whose death has sparked national outrage.
The UN human rights office said it stands ready to assist Kenyan authorities in their investigations.