Saba Saba: UN condemns killing of 10 protesters

By Newsflash Reporter | Geneva

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the killing of at least 10 people and widespread destruction of property in Kenya following violent protests across the country, including in the capital, Nairobi, and at least 16 other counties.

In a statement delivered from Geneva on Monday, Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, condemned the excessive use of force by Kenyan police and other security forces who responded to the protests with live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons.

“We are deeply troubled by the killings yesterday of at least 10 people, as well as looting and destruction of property in Kenya,” said Shamdasani. “Lethal ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons were used.”

According to official reports by the police, at least 11 people were killed, 52 police officers injured, and 567 people arrested in the course of the unrest. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), however, gave a slightly different account, reporting 10 fatalities, 29 injuries, 37 arrests, and two abductions.

Reports also indicate that unidentified individuals looted businesses and damaged both public and private property in various parts of the country.

Repeat of June tragedy

The latest violence comes just two weeks after another deadly crackdown on June 25, during which at least 15 protesters were reportedly killed and many more injured in Nairobi and other regions of the country. The recurrence of such bloodshed has prompted alarm from international observers.

“It is very concerning that these latest incidents come barely two weeks after 15 protesters were reportedly killed,” said Shamdasani. “UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk renews his call for calm and restraint, and full respect for the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly.”

The protests were sparked by growing public dissatisfaction with the government over the now-withdrawn Finance Bill, as well as deepening economic hardship. Many young Kenyans have been at the forefront of the demonstrations, demanding not only economic reforms but also accountability and justice for victims of police brutality.

The UN has emphasized that while governments have a duty to maintain public order, they must do so within the bounds of 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,” Shamdasani stressed.

Calls for independent investigations

The UN rights chief, Volker Türk, welcomed the announcement by Kenyan police of investigations into earlier incidents of violence, but insisted that all reports of killings and human rights violations must be independently and transparently investigated.

“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,” said Shamdasani. “Those responsible must be held to account.”

The UN’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has offered to support Kenyan authorities in addressing these challenges, including through assistance in investigations and reforms aimed at upholding the rule of law.

“Our Office stands ready to support the authorities in Kenya in addressing these challenges,” said Shamdasani.

The UN’s strong response adds to the growing international pressure on the Kenyan government to respect the rights of its citizens and ensure justice for victims of excessive use of force.

Human rights groups and civil society organizations have also intensified calls for police reform and for the state to listen to the grievances of its youth population, who have taken to the streets in unprecedented numbers in recent weeks.

As tensions remain high, the international community continues to urge restraint, dialogue, and justice in order to avoid further bloodshed and to uphold the democratic principles that underpin Kenya’s constitution.