The United Nations Human Rights Commission has condemned the alleged shooting of protesters by police officers during Wednesday, June 25, demonstrations.
In a statement on Thursday, June 26, the humanitarian organisation termed the shooting of protesters as 'deeply concerning', accusing President William Ruto's administration of contravening the law.
According to the UN, under international human rights law, the use of lethal force by the police should only be applied when strictly necessary to protect life or prevent serious injury from an imminent threat.
The UN also claimed that Ruto's administration contradicted the Kenyan Constitution by attempting to stop citizens from exercising their rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
"We are deeply concerned by reports of several deaths of protesters and many more injuries to protesters and police officers during demonstrations in Kenya on Wednesday," the UN noted.
"The rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are cornerstones of the rule of law and must be respected and upheld by all," the organisation added.
While denouncing the use of force against peaceful protesters, the UN called on the government to expedite its investigations and ensure the arrest of police officers who shot at protesters.
To ensure timely justice for those affected, the international organisation urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conclusively probe police misconduct during the protests.
"We underscore the importance of prompt, thorough, independent and transparent investigations to bring those responsible to justice per due process and to prevent recurrence," read part of the statement by the UN.
The UN's statement comes a day after reports emerged that over 16 people had died from the June 25 protests, with reports further indicating that the deaths were as a result of alleged police brutality.
On June 25, thousands of Kenyans across the country took to the streets to commemorate last year's killing of youthful protesters outside the Parliament Buildings.
However, the protests turned chaotic, with videos and images shared widely showing citizens clashing with police officers who were forced to lob tear gas canisters at the protesters to disperse them.
