The United Nations has raised concern over the killings witnessed during Monday July 7 during Saba Saba Protests.
In a statement the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Ravina Shamdasani the UN body expressed deep concern over the looting and destruction of property as police and other security forces responded to violent protests especially in capital Nairobi and at least 16 other counties using lethal ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons were used.
Police have reported that at least 11 people were killed, 52 police officers injured, and that 567 arrests were made. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported at least 10 fatalities, 29 injuries, 37 arrests and two abductions. We have also received reports of looting and damage to public and private property by unidentified individuals in multiple locations.
Ravina said ”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.”
”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. It is essential that legitimate grievances at the root of these protests are addressed,” the statement read in part
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.
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.
