United Nations (UN) Human Rights Office spokesperson Jeremy Laurence in a statement on Friday, July 14 stated that the office is very concerned by the widespread violence during anti-government protests in Kenya.
Jeremy expressed concern over the allegations of unnecessary use of force, including the use of firearms, by police during demonstrations.
He further called for thorough investigations into the deaths and injuries that occurred during the anti-government protests.
“We call for prompt, thorough, independent and transparent investigations into the deaths and injuries. Those responsible must be held to account. Effective measures to prevent further deaths and injuries must be adopted,” the statement reads in part.
Follow the Law, UN tells Azimio
While commenting on Azimio la Umoja One Kenya’s call for 3-day demonstrations scheduled next week, the UN Human Rights spokesperson urged authorities to adhere to the Kenya’s constitutional right of peaceful assembly and the international human rights law.
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“The policing of protests must seek to facilitate peaceful assemblies, and any use of force must be guided by the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, and non-discrimination,” Jeremy added.
In addition, the UN Human Rights Office affirmed that police officers should never use firearms to disperse protests.
Jeremy called for open dialogue between the government and the opposition party to address social, economic and political grievances, with the aim of identifying lasting solutions in the interests of all Kenyans.
The UN office reported that more than 23 people died and dozens injured during protests in the past week.
Ruto dares Raila
Nonetheless, the statement by the UN Human Rights spokesperson comes a few hours after the Azimio coalition declared that it will lead protests on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday next week.
“Following an over whelming requests from all sectors of the Kenyan Public for the need to intensify these demonstrations,” a statement by Azimio Coalition reads.
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However, in a quick rejoinder, President William Ruto, warned that he will not allow any form of demonstrations.
The President who spoke during the launch of Njabini-Naivasha road in Nakuru County on Friday, July 14th, affirmed that he would not allow the opposition to hold protests for the three days.
“We are done with elections, and you will never become president by bloodshed and destruction of properties,” Ruto told Raila.