United Nations-UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday, June 25, expressed concerns over reports of deaths and injuries in the anti-Finance Bill protests.

In a statement, Guterres urged Kenyan authorities to exercise restraint while dealing with the protests.

The UN Chief also appealed to the protesters urging them to ensure that all demonstrations take place peacefully.

“I am deeply saddened by the reports of deaths and injuries – including of journalists and medical personnel – connected to protests and street demonstrations in Kenya,” stated Guterres.

“I urge the Kenyan authorities to exercise restraint and call for all demonstrations to take place peacefully.”

On his part, African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki similarly expressed concerns over the events of June 25 that led to loss of life and destruction of property.

AU Calls for dialogue

In his statement, Chairperson Faki urged involved stakeholders to refrain from violence and instead explore dialogue to address contentious issues.

“The Chairperson reiterates the total solidarity of the African Union with the Government and People of Kenya and exhorts them to maintain peace, security and stability in the country,” read a statement issued by the AU.

Their statements came hours after businesses and normal activities in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi were disrupted by the anti-Finance Bill protesters. 

Thousands of Kenyan youth took over the streets of the nation’s capital as they pushed to reach Parliament buildings to express their objection to the bill.

While the demonstrations were framed to be non-violent, confrontation between law enforcement officers and protesters left several people killed and scores injured.

Also Read: Several Dead as Police Shoot Protesters Outside Parliament

In addition, businesspeople in the city were left counting losses after looters took advantage of the chaos to loot and make away with valuables from different shops.

KDF deployed to contain protests

Later on Tuesday, Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale gazetted the deployment of Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) to help the police in quelling the tension and maintain order.

President William Ruto also condemned the violence witnessed in the city while vowing to deal firmly with “criminals” hiding under the guise of peaceful protesters.

Also Read: Raila Advises Ruto After Shooting of Protesters Outside Parliament

In his address from State House, Nairobi, Ruto warned planners and orchestrators of violence and anarchy that the state would deploy security personnel to maintain order. 

“I hereby put on notice the planners, financiers, orchestrators and abettors of violence and anarchy, that the security infrastructure established to protect our republic and its sovereignty, will be deployed to secure the country and restore normalcy,” a firm President Ruto noted.

Meanwhile, the opposition, clergy, and members of the civil society have continued to condemn the killings reported in the protests where police were accused of firing bullets at protesters outside Parliament.

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