The United Nations Human Rights Commission has made an urgent appeal to President William Ruto’s government, demanding swift and thorough investigations into the deaths of 11 Kenyans who were killed during the Saba Saba Day protests held on July 7.
In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday afternoon, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, described the killings as “deeply troubling,” especially since they occurred less than two weeks after 11 other protesters reportedly lost their lives during similar demonstrations on June 25.
Türk raised serious concerns about the tactics used by police during the protests, including the firing of live bullets, rubber bullets, tear gas, and the use of water cannons on protesters who were largely peaceful.
He stressed that the use of deadly force by law enforcement should be a last resort and only used when absolutely necessary to protect lives from immediate danger.
While condemning the excessive force used by police, the High Commissioner also noted with concern the reports of widespread looting and damage to property, allegedly carried out by unknown individuals. He urged Kenyan authorities to identify and hold those responsible accountable.
“We are deeply concerned about the deaths of at least 10 people yesterday, as well as the destruction of property across Kenya, following violent protests in Nairobi and at least 16 other regions,” Türk said.
He further noted, “What makes this situation even more alarming is that these events have unfolded just two weeks after another deadly crackdown on June 25, which left at least 15 people dead and many others injured across different parts of the country.”
In response to the escalating violence, the UN is calling for immediate and impartial investigations into the killings. Türk emphasized that those behind the attacks—whether members of security forces or civilians—must be arrested and brought to justice.
He warned that such acts of violence, especially when committed by state agencies, violate international human rights laws and cannot be tolerated.
Türk also expressed the Commission’s willingness to support the Kenyan government in fast-tracking justice for the victims of the Saba Saba Day protests. He said the UN stands ready to provide assistance in ensuring that those responsible for the loss of life and destruction are prosecuted and that similar events do not happen again.
The UN’s tough statement comes after a deadly day of nationwide protests on July 7, held to mark the 35th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba protests that took place in 1990 to demand multi-party democracy in Kenya.
Although the intention behind the protests was peaceful, violence quickly broke out in various regions. Many of the demonstrators were young Kenyans calling for justice, better governance, and economic reforms.
However, confrontations between protesters and the police turned chaotic, leading to multiple deaths, serious injuries, destruction of property, and reports of looting.
Following the unrest, the National Police Service (NPS), through its spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, issued a statement praising the police officers for showing restraint and professionalism while handling the situation.
This statement, however, sharply contrasts with the claims made by human rights groups, protesters, and now the UN, who have accused police of using excessive and unnecessary force.
The situation remains tense as the country grapples with growing unrest, with the international community now closely watching how the Kenyan government will respond to the UN’s call for justice.
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