The United Nations (UN) High Commission for Human Rights has responded to the multiple fatalities reported during the Monday, July 7, ‘Saba Saba’ nationwide protests in Kenya, which also left hundreds injured.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the UN rights body said that it was “deeply troubled” by the killings and called for urgent investigations into the conduct of law enforcement officers, especially following reports that some protesters suffered gunshot wounds.
“We are deeply troubled by the killings yesterday of at least 10 people, as well as looting and destruction of property in Kenya as police and other security forces responded to violent protests in the capital Nairobi and at least 16 other counties. Lethal ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons were used,” the Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Ravina Shamdasani said.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has reminded Kenyan authorities that the use of force by police must strictly adhere to international human rights standards, noting that the police had announced an investigation into the earlier incidents.
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UN Commission raises concerns over deaths in protests
The Commissioner renewed his call for calm and restraint, and full respect for the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly.
“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,” the statement added.
“It is essential that legitimate grievances at the root of these protests are addressed. Those responsible must be held to account.”
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The UN High Commission for Human Rights has maintained that 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,” the statement added.
This comes after the National Police Service (NPS) 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 (KNCHR), on its part, reported at least 10 fatalities, 29 injuries, 37 arrests and two abductions.
In addition, looting and damage to public and private property by unidentified individuals were reported during the protests in multiple locations.
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