The United Stations (UN) on Friday, July 14, faulted the National Police Service (NPS) for heavy-handedness against anti-government protesters who were demonstrating against the high cost of living and requested the police to protect the demonstrators next week.
While calling on the anti-riot police officers to apply the Law equally and provide protection to demonstrators, the UN Human Rights Office Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence noted that at least 23 people were killed by the police.
The number of deaths provided by the UN agency is higher than those cited by the Kenyan government.
UN has also underscored that Kenyans have a right to protest, and it is the responsibility of the National Police Service to protect the demonstrators and their property.
"In light of calls for further protests next week, we call on the authorities to ensure the right to peaceful assembly as guaranteed by the Kenyan Constitution and international human rights law," UN stated.
"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. Firearms should never be used to disperse protests."
The UN body remarked that there have been reports that the police disproportionately used force against unarmed protesters across the country, including Nairobi where at least 6 people were killed.
"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 United Nations stated.
UN Human Rights Office Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence observed that the country was facing uncertain times after Azimio la Umoja Leader Raila Odinga called for more protests in the coming days.
He called on the government to address the issues raised, and established mechanisms that would guarantee the peace and security of everyone, including those exercising their constitutionally provided rights to protest, demonstrate and picket.
He echoed the demands of religious leaders as well as the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, which called on President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to reach resolutions over contentious issues such as the Finance Act 2023, high cost of living and the re-constitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
"We appeal for calm and encourage open dialogue to address social, economic and political grievances, with the aim of identifying lasting solutions in the interests of all Kenyans," the UN requested in a statement.
Responding to the condemnation by the UN, Kenya through Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing'Oei, equally asked the global body to call out the leaders who were inciting violence in the country.
"While regretting and decrying the unfortunate loss of life or injury, the reckless mobilization of lawless gangs to loot, destroy property, disrupt business, deprive many of means of livelihood and create an environment of disorder, must receive equal condemnation," Sing'Oei stated.
Minutes after the UN released the statement, Azimio la Umoja leader and former Governor of Murang'a Mwangi wa Iria noted that the protests will continue unabated until when the Kenya Kwanza administration shall listen and address the concerns of the people.
The UN's statement comes against the backdrop of a call for more protests that will begin on Wednesday, July 19 all through to Friday, July 21, in an attempt to compel President Ruto to change his mind over the Finance Act 2023 among other issues.
"The Coalition hereby wishes to announce a revision of the calendar. Going forward, the peaceful protests will now be held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday next week, in line with requests from the public to include three days of activity," Azimio la Umoja statement read in parts.
