The United Nations Human Rights Commission has called for quick and thorough investigations into the killing of 11 Kenyans during the Saba Saba Day demonstrations on July 7.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, in a statement on Tuesday afternoon, termed yesterday's killings as 'deeply troubling' as it comes barely a fortnight after the death of 11 other protesters during the June 25 demonstrations.
In particular, Türk expressed concerns over the use of lethal ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons against peaceful protesters in Nairobi and 16 other regions.
According to him, the use of lethal force by the police should only be applied when strictly necessary to protect life from an imminent threat.
While condemning police brutality, Türk also voiced his worry over the looting and destruction of property by people he claimed were yet to be identified by Kenya's law enforcement officers.
"We are deeply troubled by the killings yesterday of at least 10 people, as well as the destruction of property in Kenya, as police responded to violent protests in the capital Nairobi and at least 16 other regions," Türk commented.
"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," he added.
To curb further deaths, the High Commissioner called for immediate investigations and the subsequent arrest of all those involved, adding that such acts of murder contravened international human rights law.
He further expressed the Commission's readiness to assist President William Ruto's administration in expediting criminal acts during the Saba Saba Day demonstrations.
The UN Commissioner's statement comes against the backdrop of yesterday's protests that left several Kenyans dead and over 52 police officers nursing critical injuries.
The protests, which took place across several parts of the country, were held to mark the 35th anniversary of the fight for Kenya's multi-party democracy, which took place on July 7, 1990.
However, the protests, which were largely held by youthful Kenyans, turned chaotic as police officers clashed with the demonstrators, leading to deaths, destruction of property and looting of businesses.
Moments after the protests, the National Police Service (NPS), through its Spokesperson, Muchiri Nyaga, released a statement commending its officers for exercising restraint and professionalism.
